- April 4, 2025
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They were previous C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award winners who came to the Sarasota Polo Club March 23 to take part in the 25th anniversary celebration of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.
And Vanessa and Don Baugh (2016 Humanitarian of the Year honorees) and Angela Massaro-Fain and John Fain (2017 honorees) were pleased the foundation has added an important annual award.
The Out-of-Door Academy junior Cecile Visa was honored as the Junior Humanitarian of the Year. It was the second year the award was presented.
"It's important to get them involved early with the hope they progress," Don Baugh said before a ceremony that preceded the regular Sunday polo match in Lakewood Ranch. "They can set an example for others."
"A lot of us raise our children, hoping they will learn to be supportive of their community," said Fain, who noted that while many youths get positive reinforcement for giving back to the community from their parents, it is important that praise comes from others, such as the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.
The C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award began in 2005 with John Clarke as the first honoree. Clarke was present March 23 to accept the foundation's first "Lifetime Achievement Award, Exemplifying Community."
Clarke, who at the time was president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, assembled a committee of local residents to start the foundation, which at the time was the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.
He also was pleased with the foundation's Junior Humanitarian award.
"It was a good idea, and I think we can bring in more families," he said.
Visa accepted a $1,000 scholarship for winning the award.
"It is something I value," the 17-year-old said of humanitarianism. "It is important in a world that is so integrated now. A lot of people have stopped seeing the value of (humanitarianism). Even the smallest actions can have an impact."
Among the ways Visa gives backs is her role as president of the Thunder Grant Committee, which awards funds raised during the school year to important student organizations. Funds are raised through dress-down days, uniform sales and concession sales. That is just one of her responsibilities.
"I am part of a lot of clubs," she said with a smile.
Visa said her parents, Johanna and Olivier Visa, raised her with values that have made her want to give back to her community.
"I have three siblings and we were taught to help each other, and to be there for each other," she said.
"I am happy she contributes something meaningful," said her mother. "She is a very hard worker and determined."
Her father said she has a "big" work ethic.
"I like seeing her thinking about others," he said.
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan said she loves that the Junior Humanitarian award carries the "idea of getting young people thinking about giving back to the community."
ODA students Danica Kovacevic and Kaitlyn Roman were honorable mentions for the Junior Humanitarian of the Year award and they each were awarded $500 scholarships.
Clarke said the Community Foundation is in good hands. While he said it hasn't grown to the level he expected — "Not yet," he said — that it is in good hands.
"I suddenly see leadership," he said. "And I am very excited."
Board member Jeffrey Toale took the crowd that the Community Foundation has a goal to raise $250,000 in 2025, which would be by far a record for the nonprofit.
Toale also introduced the Community Foundation's new mascot, a turtle on a post. The turtle will also be giving about press release statements about the organization.
Those who want to participate in a contest to name the new mascot can go to LWRcf.org.
