Freetown Village honored four of Indianapolis’ community leaders during the 2024 Making a Difference Awards Ceremony.
The nonprofit educational organization hosted its annual award ceremony, which highlights community leaders and educators making an impact on the next generation, on Nov. 19 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center Ballroom.
“The Making a Difference Awards provide an opportunity to recognize those who are not only making an impact locally but also influencing change on a broader scale,” Freetown Village Executive Director Stanley Dumornay said in a statement. “Our honorees exemplify the values of hard work, dedication and compassion. Their stories inspire our young people to dream big.”
As Freetown Village celebrates 42 years of service, the Making a Difference Awards Ceremony continues to uplift stories of leadership, innovation and commitment to positive change in areas of education, business, philanthropy, community leadership and public service.
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The 2024 honorees included Carole Craig, founder and principal of Craig Leadership Services; Jeffrey Harris, president and CEO of Citizens Energy Group; Darrell Morton Jr., senior manager of educational programs and diversity partnerships at Republic Airways; and Andrea Neely, president and CEO of Simon Youth Foundation.
“I was quickly reminded that the importance of diverse women and men being visible in the community for our young people, so that they can see those who have tried to make an impact, and so that they can be inspired to follow in those footsteps,” Harris said during the ceremony. “To me, that is what this award is all about: inspiring future generations to do good.”
Through its annual summer camp, Freetown Village shares the inspiring stories of local and national leaders. Since 2003, the camp has provided students with hands-on learning experiences and real-time examples of excellence through its Legacy Series.
For more information about Freetown Village and the 2024 Making a Difference Awards, visit freetown.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
