Sonya Harris
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson will present the 33rd annual Rev.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Spirit Award on Jan.17 to Sonya G. Harris of Pleasantville. The award is given in commemoration of King’s birthday (Jan. 15) to an outstanding resident who exemplifies his principles through their involvement in the community and their efforts to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.
“Ms. Harris is well known and highly respected throughout our community for her involvement in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations that serve to improve the quality of life of our residents,” Levinson said. “She has served as a member, and in most cases also as an officer or chairperson in the Atlantic City Chapter of the Links, Inc., Atlantic City Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Jack and Jill Associates, National Drifters, Inc. Seaside Chapter, NAACP Mainland/Pleasantville Branch, and Second Baptist Church Trustee Board. Additionally, she held the position of clerk to the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners and dedicated 40 years of public service.”
Harris is a lifelong Atlantic County resident. She graduated from Gannon University with a bachelor of arts degree and also attended the New York Institute of Technology. During her career she participated in the Atlantic City Tomorrow Leadership Program, the Links, Inc. National Leadership Academy, and Rutgers University’s Center for Government Studies.
Harris was awarded the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Community Service Award in 2019, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. “Stand by Me Award” in 2017, and the Distinguished Associate’s Award from Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in 2014, among other honors.
“Sonya contributes 100% to whatever she is involved. We’re not exactly sure how she finds the time to honor her many commitments and serve in numerous leadership positions, but we are grateful for it,” Levinson said. “She is an accomplished, yet humble, role model and mentor who is well deserving of this recognition. We congratulate her and thank her for the positive impact she has had.”
Levinson will present the Community Spirit Award to Harris during the Jan. 17 Board of County Commissioners meeting to be held 4 p.m. at 201 S. Shore Road, Northfield.
