On Oct. 26, the Organization of Human Services was honored at The Second Mile’s Celebration of Excellence Award banquet.

Students and athletes of Villanova have hosted the children of The Second Mile “Friend” Program since October 2004.

Once a month, elementary school children come from Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties to enjoy a day filled with encouragement, friendship and guidance from their Villanova “Friends.”

The contribution of these mentors has helped the children develop self-confidence and skills that will lead them to a future of promise and possibility.

The Award of Excellence was presented to the OHS executive board for its efforts in making The Second Mile program a success.

Among the guests at the banquet were Miss Pennsylvania Emily Wills, NFL Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik, former NFL player and CBS sports anchor Beasley Reece and former NFL head coach of the Eagles, Rams and Chiefs, Dick Vermeil. Each pledged his or her support for The Second Mile and the children the program has helped.

The Second Mile was founded in 1977 by former Penn State University defensive football coordinator, Jerry Sandusky.

Since 1982, The Second Mile has created and implemented a network of nine programs offered to children across Pennsylvania.

These programs help kids to develop effective coping skills, self-confidence and positive attitudes.

Each program is designed to provide mentor intervention to help boys and girls explore and discover their strengths and abilities so that they can build positive lives.

More than 350,000 Pennsylvania children are served annually through the requests and referrals of over 1,000 participating teachers, school counselors, human service professionals and families.

OHS was grateful to receive such a distinguished award and pledged to continue its commitment to the progress of The Second Mile program.

The next Second Mile event will be on Nov. 19 from 2-4 p.m. in St. Mary’s gym.

-Contributed by OHS