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 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.
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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.
Once the surprised Perkinson made it to the podium, Frederick said that Perkinson has worn many hats with the substance abuse council — mostly president or vice-president.
“But for those on the council, we know the hat ‘Perk’ wears the most is “Chief Get-er’-done” — because he’s the glue who holds the council together,” Frederick said.
After receiving the honor, Perkinson told the audience he was struggling to keep his emotions in check.
He told the audience how special it was that so many different organizations in Columbus work so well together.
He mentioned a 1996 conference in Washington, D.C. where people from other cities were all complaining about some other group in their own community.
“I’d like to tell you that never happens here,” Perkinson said. “But we’re a close enough family (in Columbus) that we don’t let the emotions concerning our missions get in the way of working together. And that is such a great thing.”
After looking out in the audience toward his professional co-workers and family, Perkinson said he was extremely moved to see them all gathered together at the conference.
Perkinson received his second lengthy standing ovation while he made his way back to his seat.
Janae Norman, who will succeed Perkinson at the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. at the beginning of next year, described Perkinson with one word — amazing.
“Larry is definitely a person who gives people confidence that he can provide both resources and advice,” Norman said. “He’s a great man who has had a great impact on a lot of people.”
