The Rotary Club of Howard West Congratulates 2025 Beacon of Hope Honorees

Baltimore, Maryland Nov 19, 2025 (EMWNews.com) – The Rotary Club of Howard West (Maryland), under the leadership of president Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., successfully hosted its 2025 Beacon of Hope Awards & Annual Fundraiser at the Kittleman Room on the campus of Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland. The elegant venue provided a warm and welcoming backdrop for an evening dedicated to recognizing exceptional servant leadership, civic engagement, and community advancement.

Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated program featuring international cuisine, live entertainment and meaningful moments of reflection that highlighted the mission and impact of Rotary across Howard County and around the world. Throughout the evening, attendees engaged in fellowship, networking, and celebration alongside community leaders, educators, advocates, and friends of service.

The Rotary Club of Howard West proudly extends its congratulations to the 2025 Beacon of Hope Honorees:

Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, United States Army & 6888 Congressional Gold Medal Champion

The Honorable William “Bill” Barnes, Superintendent, Howard County Public Schools

Ann Heavner, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together Howard County

Somnath Sengupta, Ph.D., Research Scientist & Autism Spectrum Advocate

Jean C. Accius, Ph.D., President & CEO, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities

Marcus Smith II, Former NFL 1st Round Draft Pick & The Circle of M Founder

Honorees shared heartfelt reflections on the occasion. Notably, Col. Edna Cummings expressed her appreciation, stating, “I am privileged and honored to receive the 2025 Beacon of Hope Award from the Rotary Club of Howard West alongside extraordinary leaders and social entrepreneurs who contribute their time, talents and selfless service to Howard County and to our nation.”

Fellow honoree Marcus Smith II added, “Moments like this–being recognized with a Beacon of Hope Award by the Rotary Club of Howard West for the mental health work we do–remind me that the mission is bigger than me. This recognition fuels my purpose to continue breaking stigmas and supporting others in their healing.”

“In Rotary, leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said  Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Rotary Club of Howard West president. When we unite for good, we amplify hope, create opportunities, and strengthen the communities we call home.”

The Rotary Club of Howard West also extends its appreciation to all the Rotarians, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and guests, who contributed to the success of this year’s program. Proceeds from the event will support scholarships, youth initiatives, and service projects benefiting residents of Howard County and designated communities in need around the world.

About Rotary Club of Howard West

The Rotary Club of Howard West, based in Ellicott City, Maryland, is part of Rotary International — a global network of 45,000 clubs and over 1.2 million members dedicated to community service, peacebuilding, education, disease prevention, clean water, maternal and child health, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Since its founding in 2014 as part of District 7620, Howard West Rotarians have organized impactful local and international service projects with an emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, the interests of women and girls, and community service. Our club meets weekly in a hybrid format on Mondays @ 6:30pm ET at the Glory Days Grill in Ellicott City, MD. To learn more about our club or get involved in our mission of “Service Above Self,” please visit www.websites.dacdb.com/howardwestrotary.com, or email [email protected].