Every year we come together as a community to honor those among us who exemplify our mission through our annual awards. This week, we are pleased to announce our 2021 annual award recipients: Marion Damick, Volunteer of the Year; Paul Schuelter, Incarcerated Person of the Year; and Cheryl Steberger, Correctional Employee of the Year.
Scroll down to meet this year's awardees and hear directly from them!
Meet this year's award winners.
Marion Damick
Volunteer of the Year,
Allegheny Chapter
Marion Damick is the Prison Society 2021 Volunteer of the Year. At 93 years old, Marion has been a convener or co-convener for more than two decades and has been involved with the Society for even longer. She is respected by prison staff and fellow volunteers alike who are inspired by the work they see Marion doing in the county prison. With this award, we recognize Marion for her unwavering commitment to our mission and the longevity of her service.
Paul Schuelter
Incarcerated Person of the Year,
SCI Camp Hill
Paul Schuelter is the Prison Society's 2021 Incarcerated Person of the Year and has served over 35 years of a life sentence. The Prison Society is not taking a position on whether Paul should ever return to the community—under current law it is doubtful he will. With this award we are acknowledging Paul's decades of profound contributions to the people he has lived with in prison. Paul was nominated for this award by someone who served time with him, was deeply helped by Paul, and is now thriving in the community. It is our privilege to bestow the 2021 Dr. Julia Hall Incarcerated Person of the Year Award on Paul Schuelter.
Cheryl Steberger
Correctional Employee of the Year,
Lancaster County Prison Warden
Cheryl Steberger is the Prison Society's 2021 Correctional Employee of the Year. Warden Steberger was nominated for her compassionate leadership during this unprecedented year. She has made it better for everyone under her care. Warden Steberger believes programming is of vital importance and should be available strives to create a safe and healthy environment. With this award we recognize Warden Steberger's commitment to actively ensuring the health, safety, and dignity of those in her care.
