Perkinson honored by Substance Abuse Council

Columbus Police Lt. Jay Frederick, left, recognizes Larry Perkinson, student assistance coordinator for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., during the Desperate Households conference in The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. Perkinson's colleagues honored him by creating the Larry Perkinson Community Voice award and presented him with a leather bound journal as the first award recipient. Mike Wolanin | The Republic

The Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council honored a local educator whose ongoing work was described as the “glue” that has held the organization together.

Larry Perkinson, who is planning to retire as Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. student assistance coordinator at the end of this year, was surprised with the “Larry Perkinson Community Voice Award,” Wednesday night during the Desperate Households conference at The Commons.

Columbus Police Department Lt. Jay Frederick gave the surprise introduction and honor to Perkinson, an award created in Perkinson’s name to honor service and dedication to the council’s mission.

Perkinson, who has worked tirelessly with students and families and served as a BCSC spokesman working with the media, received two standing ovations after the award was announced.

Instead of a conventional plaque or trophy, the Community Voice Award was a leather-bound journal that symbolized Perkinson’s passion for writing, council members said.

For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.