Rotary Club of Howard West Recognizes 2025 Beacon of Hope Awardees

Baltimore, Maryland, November 19, 2025 – The Rotary Club of Howard West (Maryland), under the guidance of president Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., successfully conducted its 2025 Beacon of Hope Awards & Annual Fundraiser. The event was held in the elegant Kittleman Room on the campus of Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland. This sophisticated setting provided a welcoming atmosphere for an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding servant leadership, civic engagement, and community advancement.

Attendees enjoyed a carefully planned program featuring international culinary selections, live entertainment, and profound moments of reflection that underscored Rotary’s mission and its impact across Howard County and globally. Throughout the evening, guests engaged in camaraderie, networking, and celebration alongside community leaders, educators, advocates, and supporters 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

The honorees shared sincere thoughts on the occasion. Notably, Col. Edna Cummings conveyed 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 dedicate 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 our mental health initiatives – remind me that the mission transcends my individual efforts. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue breaking stigmas and supporting others in their journey toward healing.”

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

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

About the Rotary Club of Howard West

The Rotary Club of Howard West, situated in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a component of Rotary International – a vast global network comprising 45,000 clubs and over 1.2 million members. This organization is committed to community service, peacebuilding, education, disease prevention, providing clean water, promoting maternal and child health, fostering economic development, and championing environmental stewardship. Since its establishment in 2014 as part of District 7620, Howard West Rotarians have initiated impactful local and international service projects, focusing on mental health and wellbeing, the interests of women and girls, and broader community service. Our club convenes weekly in a hybrid format on Mondays at 6:30 PM ET at the Glory Days Grill in Ellicott City, MD. To discover more about our club or to get involved in our mission of “Service Above Self,” please visit www.websites.dacdb.com/howardwestrotary.com, or email rawleandrewsjr@gmail.com.