Berry receives Heywood Distinguished Service award

Beth Berry has been selected as the 2024 Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Recipient by The Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee.

Berry is the 41st recipient of this prestigious award and will be honored on Wednesday, Sept. 4 during the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration at the Northfield Ballroom, 1055 MN Highway 3.

Berry spent many years within the Northfield School District serving as a guidance counselor, and during that time, she helped support several programs that benefited the youth of Northfield and their families. Several nominations for Beth were received, one of which states, “Her commitment to youth is second to none, and there is no way to acknowledge the work being done in the Northfield community without considering the contributions made by Beth.”

Berry has lent her time and talents to a variety of programs, including, but not limited to, the Northfield Community Action Center, Northfield Community College Collaborative, and serving as the founding coordinator of the Tackling Obstacle, Raising College Hopes (TORCH) program, just to a name a few.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Beth, while also recognizing the tremendous work that she, along with others in our community, have worked so hard on to better our community,” said Galen Malecha, DJJD General Chairperson. “Beth is someone that has been doing such great work behind the scenes for many years, that the full impact of her work is often overlooked. We look forward to sharing those stories throughout the summer, and during celebration weekend when we honor Beth.”

For those who wish to attend the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Banquet in September, details can be found at djjd.org. RSVPs are appreciated.