Community volunteer Jennifer Shirk, pictured with her husband, Jeff, is one of the three award recipients.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian announced the 2026 recipients of the annual Martin Luther King Community Service Awards.
Dr. Constance Pritchard, Sister Joelle Thren and Jennifer Shirk will be honored. Each year, the awards recognize volunteer activity and service to the Ocean City community in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Among other service, Dr. Pritchard has led the volunteer English Language Learning program at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church for more than 20 years.
Sister Joelle has served St. Damien Parish for more than 25 years and leads many intergenerational education and service programs for Ocean City residents.
Jennifer Shirk has been a volunteer with many community organizations, including the Ocean City Community Wellness Alliance, the Ocean City Free Public Library, the Ocean City Education Foundation and the Ocean City Exchange Club.
“One of the things that makes Ocean City so special is the number of people who want to give back to our community,” Gillian said in a news release Tuesday. “This year’s recipients are perfect examples of that community spirit, and I’m looking forward to celebrating all of their achievements.”
Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19. The ceremony will include honors for the MLK service award recipients.
The Jan. 19 ceremony will start at 12 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle. The event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song and dance. The ceremony will be followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon.
Students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School will be honored for their winning essays on the influence of Dr. King.
Volunteers are invited to join others nationwide in a Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19 to honor Dr. King’s contributions. Residents are urged to participate in a citywide cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. Sign-up and supply distribution will take place at the Henry Knight Building at 115 E. 12th Street.
