Presented to an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities for outstanding participation in or contributions to their community.
Jeremy Markovic
Jeremy Markovic is a remarkable example of personal growth driven by determination, and he embodies the values of outstanding participation, volunteerism, and positive contribution to the community that this award honors. When Jeremy first joined The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s volunteer group, he was very quiet and reserved, often keeping to himself and not participating in conversations. Over time, through commitment and perseverance, Jeremy has grown into a confident and engaged group member. Today, he greets the team each morning with a big smile as soon as he gets into the van, warmly welcoming every member of the group along the way. The sense of connection and belonging he has developed is evident as he now engages in conversation with peers throughout rides to the Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center.
Jeremy demonstrates outstanding participation and volunteerism at the Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center by consistently taking the initiative and offering help with various tasks. He especially enjoys vacuuming and dusting, and he approaches every responsibility with pride, focus, and enthusiasm. He never complains or refuses a task and is always willing to contribute wherever needed. His strong work ethic, reliability, and positive attitude reflect a deep sense of community service and commitment.
In addition to his contributions through service, Jeremy has shown meaningful growth in self-advocacy and communication. He is now actively engaged during group discussions and confidently shares his thoughts. Jeremy has expressed that he is working on improving eye contact when speaking with others—an achievement that reflects his determination to build social and employment-related skills. He learns new tasks quickly, retains skills after being shown, and genuinely enjoys learning and growing.
Jeremy is consistently mannerly, kind, and respectful to fellow group members, staff, and the employees at Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center, who thank him for his hard work at every visit. The positive feedback and encouragement he receives have made a significant impact, reinforcing his confidence and sense of purpose within the community.
Each week, Jeremy shares how much fun he is having and how much he looks forward to being part of our group. He feels comfortable being himself, has found his voice, and continues to flourish as a valued and contributing member of his community. It has been a true pleasure to witness his transformation and personal growth.
Jeremy’s journey reflects the spirit of this award—personal growth through determination, meaningful community participation, and service to others. He is truly a joy to work with, and he is deeply deserving of recognition through the Stanley S. Sidle/William Ohge Jr. Memorial Citizenship Award.