2014 Person of the Year

Middle Smithfield Township's finalists for the 2014 Person of the Year Award were Laura Law, Lisa Baldwin, and Melvyn Coon. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the Person of the Year at an awards banquet on December 31, 2014 at the Whispering Pines Banquet Hall.

The Person of the Year received $2,500 toward their cause and the two finalists received $500.

Laura Law

2014 Person of the Year

Laura Law is the president and co-founder of Mady’s Angels. Mady’s Angels was established by both Laura and Malcolm Law to honor and memorialize Madyson Brendyl Law, an exceptional daughter, sister, friend and student. Under her leadership, Mady’s Angels has given back over $80,000 to the community. These contributions go towards providing scholarships to local students, support local charities, and local families with financial needs. Described as selfless, compassionate, and sincere, Laura has turned her work with Mady’s Angels into a full time job, a commitment which she is not compensated for.

Lisa Baldwin

Finalist

Lisa Baldwin is a teacher of English at Lehman Intermediate School, a volunteer with Joey’s Eagles, and a deacon and band member at the Bushkill Reformed Church. For her service in the community, Lisa is an active volunteer with Joey’s Eagles—a non-profit organization that provides support for families with children and young adults facing cancer or other serious chronic illnesses. She fundraises for, organizes and facilitates events for the organization. In addition to her work with Joey’s eagles, she has also organized numerous community and international missionary projects to assist others in need: After Hurricane Sandy, Lisa helped organize clean-up and repair efforts in affected areas, and in 2013 a mission trip to the Dominican republic to assist families in need and build a church.

Melvyn Coon

Finalist

Since Melvyn moved up to East Stroudsburg in the 1960’s, he has generously devoted his time to serve the community. Melvyn volunteers at the Resica Falls Scout Reservation (a 4200+ acre nature preserve that serves as a campground for scouts). As a volunteer, Melvyn does everything from keeping the grounds, building latrines, to assembling and servicing the cots. He and his wife Margie even planted a garden on the grounds of the Reservation so that the scouts would have the opportunity to take part in gardening fresh vegetables. Those who have come to know and love Melvyn describe him as a humble man, whose influence in the lives of others is astounding, without any thought of reward or accolade.