ONE WITH COURAGE
Awards for the Most Courageous Child Advocates Across the State
Every year, we come together to celebrate West Virginia’s most courageous child advocates. The One With Courage Awards are an opportunity to recognize individuals from all walks of life who are taking a stand to protect kids and ensure that survivors can find hope and healing.
2024 One With Courage Honorees
- One With Courage: Susan Scharf, The Lighthouse CAC
- Partner With Courage: Joseph C. Thornton, WV Department of Homeland Security
- Funder With Courage: West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health
- Professional With Courage: Lieutenant Steven Sommers, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department
- Trudy Laurenson Advocate With Courage: Donna McKenna-Blood, Marion County CAC
Past Recipients
2023
One With Courage – Shiloh Woodard
Partner With Courage – Marcy Nolan
Funder With Courage – Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation
Professional With Courage – Dwayne Vandevender
Trudy Laurenson Advocate With Courage – Carole Ertl
SHINE Memorial Tribute – Victoria Slater-Madert
2022
Trudy Laurenson Advocate With Courage – Nettie Goan
Professional With Courage – Jim Sizemore
Funder With Courage – Greg Burton
Partner With Courage – Honorable Governor Jim Justice
One With Courage – Julie Nutter
SHINE Memorial Tribute – Ian Frampton
Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Joan Phillips
2021
In 2021, WVCAN honored each of our 21 Child Advocacy Centers as “Centers of Courage” to recognize the hard work and dedication they showed in continuing to serve children and families through the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020
Legislator With Courage – Honorable John Shott
Partner With Courage – WV Dept. of Education
Funder With Courage – Benedum Foundation
Advocate With Courage – Crystal Good
One With Courage – Patty Saunders
2019
Professional With Courage – Stephanie Milliron
Partner With Courage – Nathaniel Deuley
One With Courage – Scott Miller
2018
Legislator With Courage – Honorable Paul Espinosa
Partner With Courage – Jim McKay
One With Courage – Cpl. Marlene Moore
2017
Professional With Courage – Zachary Allman
Partner With Courage – Becky Arthur
One With Courage – Beth Cook
2016
Professional With Courage – Sgt. Melissa Clemons
Partner With Courage – Dr. James Kaplan
One With Courage – Trudy Laurenson
One With Courage – Honorable Mary Ellen Griffith
2015
Professional With Courage – Laurea Ellis
Partner With Courage – Bray Cary
Legislator With Courage – Honorable Nick Rahall
One With Courage – Barbara Stone
2014
Professional With Courage – Shawn Allman
Legislator With Courage – Honorable Brent Boggs
Partner With Courage – Lyle Huntington
One With Courage – Dr. Laura Capage