The Peace and Justice Center awards three Peace Awards each year at our annual community dinner to recognize individuals and groups that have made a positive impact in our local area.
The Susan Merrill-Constance Kozel Award is presented to individuals whose contribution to society reflects the principles of justice and peace. In 2026, the Peace and Justice Center will honor Carla McCabe, President and CEO of WVIA, for her commitment to strengthening the communities WVIA serves through public media, local journalism, education, and civic engagement. Learn more about the award and awardees here.
The David Frey Community Service for Peace Award honors individuals or groups whose actions have contributed to the civic or corporate cause of peace and justice, either by directly supporting the Peace and Justice Center’s mission or by contributing to the community. In 2026, the Peace and Justice Center honors The Lands at Hillside Farms for its extraordinary commitment to education, sustainability, stewardship, and community service. A historic nonprofit educational dairy farm., Learn more about the award and awardees here.
The Athena Smith Ford Student for Peace Award is presented to young people whose academic and extra-curricular activities reflect a commitment to justice and a future of peacemaking. In 2026, the Peace and Justice Center recognizes Lillyan Mahmoud, for using her experiences and her voice to foster understanding and challenge stereotypes about Muslims and immigrants. Learn more about the award and awardee here.
Join us for the 2026 Peace Awards Celebration!
We invite you to celebrate with us on Sunday, October 4, as we honor this year’s award recipients. The afternoon will begin with a reception and award ceremony at 2:00 p.m., followed by an early dinner at 3:00 p.m., at Appletree Terrace, 4 Newberry Estate, Dallas, Pennsylvania.
We’d love to have you there — please register for the dinner here. Dinner is $50.00 for general admission, or $35.00 for students and those on a limited income.
You can pay however is most convenient for you:
- Online: via PayPal at peaceandjusticecenter.com/donate, through October 1
- By check: made out to “Peace and Justice Center” and mailed to Peace and Justice Center, 57 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 (please mail by September 20)
Nominations for Peace Awardees are welcomed by the members of the steering committee of the Peace and Justice Center. E-mail us at: peacewb@verizon.net
