Former Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil visited Elwyn last Tuesday to present the Dick Vermeil Humanitarian Awards, created by Elwyn to recognize staff and volunteer organizations.

The annual awards were presented to The Philadelphia Insurance Companies for their involvement and support, as well members of Elwyn’s direct support staff and middle management.

Elwyn, which employs more than 2,700 people, has been one of the country’s leading sources of education and support for children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental challenges. Its following employees were honored for exhibiting Coach Vermeil’s Principles of Leadership:

• Philip Calabrese
• Virginia Mack
• Rachel Curry
• Marleen Czernik
• Delia Gonzalez
• Marie Johnson
• Lynn Matthews
• Darren McClashie
• Charlotte Principi
• Suzanne Rineer
• Armilyn Young
• Fannie Allen
• Samson Ansah
• Diane Aston
• Christina Belony
• Ernie Budy
• Abigail Dilks
• Walter Fernandez
• Maryanne Hall
• Mary Hyman
• Solomon Joe
• Johanna Rosen
• Kareem Whiteside

Vermeil, who led the Eagles to their only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and who won the Super Bowl as coach of the Rams, spoke of the commitment it takes to rise above and face challenges.

He discussed his own family and having a special-needs granddaughter, and further praised Elwyn’s dedicated staff as the “the real coaches, offense coordinators, and Carson Wentzes of the world.”