Three Women Recognized as ‘Champions of Children’
Emma Delk Trending
WHEELING -- Three women's tireless commitment to child advocacy has earned them recognition from the Ohio County Partners in Prevention as recipients of the 2024 Deborah Doleski Allen Champion of Children Awards.
This year's recipients, Angelina Cornelia, Michelle Dietrich, and Jamie Remp, were recognized at the award ceremony held on Friday for their dedication to ensuring the flourishing of children and families in the Ohio Valley.
Members of the public submitted each nominee. The Ohio County Partners in Prevention received 60 nominations, narrowed down to three winners after three rounds of voting.
Ohio County Family Resource Network Executive Director Claudia Raymer explained that all identifying information for the nominees was redacted during the voting process, meaning the awards were decided on "all the content of the work they've done."
Angelina Cornelia has been an advocate at Harmony House Children's Advocacy Center for six years. In her position, Cornelia works with families to keep them well-informed and supported for the lifetime of their cases.
Cornelia's "tireless work" assisting children and her can-do spirit is why coworker Jay Jack nominated her. He noted that she has advocated for children "just under 6,000 times and attended over 850 forensic interviews" and described her as "animated, assertive, and all heart."
"I am forever grateful for the connections I have built with children and their families in the community," said Cornelia during her acceptance speech for the award. "I get to witness the courage the children have firsthand when they walk through the door every day and tell their stories.
Despite all the darkness, their light continues to shine through," continued Cornelia. "Abuse does not define a child, and no child deserves to be hurt or disappointed."
Michelle Dietrich received an unprecedented six nominations from parents of children attending Steenrod Elementary School, where she serves as principal. A common theme amongst nominations was Dietrich "going above and beyond," noting her patience, kindness and involvement in all aspects of the school day and afterschool events.
"Anytime someone comes to her with an idea, whether that be a child or a parent, she not only gets excited about it, she empowers that person to be a part of the idea formulation," described parent Beth Collins. "She gets that supporting a child also supports the adults in their life. She also recognizes that while academic success is important, being a kind person is the true marker of success."
Other parent nominations include Cissy Johnson, Lihua Chen, Jessica Whisler and Carissa Pauley.
For Dietrich, going above and beyond as an educator is "just what you're supposed to do."
"I think I was a little overwhelmed when Claudia called and told me I had been selected for this award because I work with so many champions daily," noted Dietrich. "I see what teachers do and what school counselors do, and I know that all of us do this for the kids. My guiding principle as a principal is for kids to know that they do matter and it's not just about their test scores."
King's Daughters Child Care Center Executive Director Jamie Remp rounded out the award recipients. Remp has been at the center's helm for nearly 10 years and was nominated by her employee, Kaitlyn Harris.
In her nomination, Harris noted the many updates and improvements Remp has "worked tirelessly" to secure for the center's children. She drew attention to Remp's organizing the annual Wheeling Dragon Boat Race, which gets the community involved in raising funds for the center.
"Jamie is a go-getter and works hard to achieve her goals for our Center and the children in our care," added Harris. "When I think of someone who is constantly working to provide resources for the children and families in our community, Jamie is the first person who comes to mind."
During her acceptance speech, Remp noted that no matter how much the center expanded, providing "high-quality care the children deserve" remains her focus.
"I know King's Daughters is very important, and I knew there was a lot of history with the center when I took my position 10 years ago," added Remp. "My goal has always been to improve childcare in the valley."
Though all three winners work in different aspects of childcare in the community, Raymer noted that each is an "emotional labor-intensive job."
"When we talk about going above and beyond in the lives of children, any adult who is caring and loving towards children and impacts their lives fits that role," added Raymer. "These individuals have played a key role in offering support, guidance and resources to help families thrive. These champions of children understand that strong supportive families are the bedrock of a thriving community."