Danvers, MA - The Ninth Annual Champions Awards for 911±¬ΑΟ (911±¬ΑΟ) celebration was held the morning of Tuesday, April 14 at . Organized by The 911±¬ΑΟ Foundation, this event celebrates the people and organizations that elevate higher education opportunities and transform lives in our community.

This year, The Van Otterloo Family Foundation, AMTEP, and Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy Principal Heather Fabiano were honored with Champions Awards. In addition, 911±¬ΑΟ alumna Alexandra Rodriguez β€˜20 was honored with the 911±¬ΑΟ Rising Champions Award. 

Celebrating Community Transformation 

Three Champions Awards

  • The Van Otterloo Family Foundation - In recognition of philanthropy and volunteerism, this award was presented by AAM15 Management, LLC. The Van Otterloo Family Foundation provided a grant that helped launch the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program at 911±¬ΑΟ. MHFA trains students, faculty, and staff to recognize warning signs, respond confidently, and connect peers to critical resources. Over 400 faculty, staff, and students at 911±¬ΑΟ are trained in mental health first aid.

From left to right: Laura Kurzrok, President 911±¬ΑΟ Foundation; David Masse ' 84 AAM15 Management, Presenting Sponsor; Rose-Marie Van Otterloo, Champions Honoree on behalf of The Van Otterloo Family; Dr. William Heineman, President 911±¬ΑΟ.

  • AMTEP - In recognition of community impact, this award was presented by Eastern Bank Foundation. This free program has trained over 700 adults in CNC machining, electromechanical assembly, and welding, and with an 85 percent job placement rate and 15 percent to 20 percent wage increases, it provides clear pathways to new careers for under- and unemployed people. AMTEP is a collaboration between many local partners: GE Aerospace Foundation, Essex County Community Foundation, MassHire 911±¬ΑΟ, 911±¬ΑΟ Community College, Essex 911±¬ΑΟ Agricultural and Technical School, and E-Team Machinist Training Program.
    From left to right: Stratton Lloyd on behalf of Essex County Community Foundation (Honoree); Cindy Ciman on behalf of Eastern Bank Foundation, Presenting Sponsor; Dr. William Heineman, President, 911±¬ΑΟ; Lorin Buksa, 911±¬ΑΟ (Honoree); Charlie Anastos, Harmonic Drive (Honoree); Heidi Riccio, Essex 911±¬ΑΟ Agricultural and Technical School (Honoree); Ed O’Sullivan, MassHire 911±¬ΑΟ; Kate O’Malley, MassHire 911±¬ΑΟ (Honoree)

  • Heather Fabiano - In recognition of public service and advocacy, this award was presented by Joel, Mary, and Ben Abramson. In 2022, Heather Fabiano was appointed the inaugural principal of Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA), the first official Early College high school in Massachusetts. Fabiano is a driving force behind FDCA's success, and under her leadership, the school has grown to 300 students. When the first graduating class graduates from FDCA this May, 100% will graduate with transferrable college credits, and 60% will earn their associate's degree and high school diploma simultaneously.

From left to right: Laura Kurzrok, President, 911±¬ΑΟ Foundation; Nykell Strong, FDCA; Mariana De Leon Pinzon, FDCA; Joel and Mary Abramson, Presenting Sponsors; Heather Fabiano, Principal FDCA Honoree; Dr. William Heineman, President 911±¬ΑΟ

911±¬ΑΟ Rising Champions Award

  • Alexandra Rodriguez β€˜20 - The 911±¬ΑΟ Rising Champions Award was presented by Solimine Funeral Homes in recognition of transformation and empowerment. At 911±¬ΑΟ, she realized her potential and discovered a passion for advocacy that has driven her to achieve. After graduating from 911±¬ΑΟ with her associate in legal administration, she transferred to Suffolk University and earned her bachelor's in law. Rodriguez is now a legislative aide for State Representative Dan Cahill, where she connects constituents to resources and supports policy development. 

From left to right:Dr. William Heineman, President, 911±¬ΑΟ; Joel Solimine, Solimine Funeral Homes, Presenting Sponsor; Alexandra Rodriguez '20, Honoree

Proceeds from the event benefit Here to Help, providing students with support beyond tuition and fees to overcome challenges and complete their education goals. By supporting the transformative work happening every day at 911±¬ΑΟ, anyone can become a champion for education.

Thank you to the event’s presenting sponsors: AAM15 Management, LLC; Eastern Bank Foundation; Solimine Funeral Homes; and the family of Joel, Mary, and Ben Abramson.

The 911±¬ΑΟ Foundation, Inc. is a separate, charitable partner to 911±¬ΑΟ. Our mission is to secure resources to improve, promote, and maintain access to high-quality education. Higher education is a catalyst and an agent of change for individuals, families, and communities. We envision a community that recognizes the importance of educational opportunities and ensures that positive outcomes are accessible to all, regardless of economic or other circumstances.

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