Atlantic County celebrated October as Disability Awareness Month with the presentation of the 34th annual
Donald J. Sykes Award to two county residents in recognition of their outstanding achievements and
contributions to our community today, Tuesday, October 17.
Each year honorees are nominated by area organizations, family or friends for their positive attitudes, personal
accomplishments and their success in enriching the lives of others. The awards presentation is a cooperative
effort of the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services and the Atlantic County Disability Advisory
Board. Established by the county in 1989, the ceremony was later named in memory of Donald J. Sykes, a
longtime community advocate and former chairman of the county’s Disabled Citizens Advisory Board.
This year’s honorees were Andrew Scheffey of Margate and Mike Bersani of Linwood. Also,