Roots of Prevention
Community Awards Celebration
Community members gather for the annual Roots of Prevention Awards Celebration at Burlington City Hall.
About Our Roots of Prevention Awards
Established in 2009, our Roots of Prevention Awards Celebration is an opportunity for us to pause, recognize, and thank changemakers who have had a direct, positive, or transformative impact on the health and wellness of our neighborhoods and community.
Often this work is difficult, may lack recognition, and goes above and beyond expectations. During this event, we gather to recognize the people, programs, and organizations doing this important work.
Weren’t able to join this year? Watch the 2025 ceremony online →
Nominate Someone for an Award. We accept nominations all year long.
Do you know an individual, group, or organization that deserves recognition? Our awards committee accepts nominations all year long. We rely on community members like yourself to tell us about the people making a positive impact in Burlington. Special interest is given to nominations that have a direct impact on preventing substance misuse. Scroll down to take a look at past award recipients to see if your intended nominee has already received an award.
Submit Your Nomination With Our ONLINE FORM →
We also accept printed nominations by mail. Click here to print your own copy. Fill it out and mail it back to us at the address listed at the bottom of the page.
Become a Roots of Prevention Sponsor
Our annual community awards celebration is a high-visibility opportunity to demonstrate how your company’s mission and values align with our work to make Burlington a healthier city to live, work, and play in as we seek to address the underlying causes and consequences of substance misuse. Visit our online sponsorship form where you’ll find sponsorship levels to fit any budget.
Image Recap of 2025 Roots of Prevention Celebration
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2024
DG Weaver Award: Angela Halsted
Outstanding Individuals: Barbara Tyler & Dr. L.E. Faricy
Outstanding Program Award: Burlington Fire Dept., Community Response Team
Youth and Families Award: Mukhtar Abdullahi
2023
DG Weaver Award: Peter VonDoepp
Outstanding Individual: Sidiki Sylla
Youth and Families Award: Dr. Kimberly Blake
2022
DG Weaver Award: Rebecca McCray
Outstanding Individual: Shay Totten and Robyn Freedner-Maguire
Youth and Families Award: Dan Cahill
2020
DG Weaver Award: Deb Anger
Outstanding Program Award: Parent University
Outstanding Individual: Tian Berry
Youth and Families Award: Mellisa Cane
2019
DG Weaver Award: Gayle Botelho
Outstanding Program Award: Dr. Betsy Hoza and Children & Teachers (CATS) on the Move
Outstanding Individual: Maia Vota
Outstanding Business Award: Ben Pincus, Aikido of Champlain Valley
Youth and Families Award: Ponga Lubula
2018
DG Weaver Award: Hawa Adam
Outstanding Program Award: Burlington Boys Soccer: Jack Myers, Bob Day & Fran Demasi
Outstanding Group Award: BHS International Club
Youth and Families Award: Deena Murphy
2016
DG Weaver Award: Move It! Move It! Program, Integrated Arts Academy
Program Award: The CHARM Collaborative
Individual Award: Clare Wool, parent volunteer
Youth and Families Award: Family Steering Committee, Janet S. Munt Family Room
2015
DG Weaver Award: Patty Wesley, BHS School Counselor & Director of Guidance & Counseling
Program Award: Boys & Girls Club Teen Program, Jack Stackhouse and Jeff Thompson
Individual Award: Melanie Needle, Senior Planner, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
Youth and Families Award: Nurses of the Burlington School District
2014
DG Weaver Award: Suzy King & Beth Evans, Burlington High School
Program Award: UVM Living Well
Individual Award: Scott LaMothe, Vermont Junior Relay Program
Youth and Families Award: Flynn Center Youth Programs
2013
DG Weaver Award: Jan Shamberger, Burlington High School
Program Award: Howard Center Safe Recovery Program
Individual Award: Dwight Brown, Burlington High School
Youth and Families Award: Ben Lane, YMCA Camp Abnaki
2012
DG Weaver Award: Chaska Richardson, Champlain Elementary School
Business Award: Melissa Short, Waggy’s Store and Deli
Individual Award: Tim Moran, Howard Center
Youth and Families Award: Dottie Olio, Boys and Girls Club
2011
DG Weaver Award: Jane Zenaty – Hunt Middle School
Business Award: Cliff and Ellen Cooper – North Avenue News
Program Award: Evy Smith – Tobacco Quit in Person Program
Youth and Families Award: Karen Carr – J.J. Flynn Elementary School
2010
DG Weaver Award: Henri Sparks – Burlington High School
Matt Young – Howard Center
Larry Walters – Community volunteer
Kathy Olwell – Sarah Holbrook Center
2009
DG Weaver Award: Brian Williams – Burlington High School
Becky Cassidy – First Night Burlington
Jim and Denise Messier – Burlington Youth Football