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WILKES-BARRE — Swoyersville Mayor Christopher Concert was surrounded by family on Monday night, and by those who felt like family.

Concert, who received the Susan Merrill Constance Kozel Award at the annual Peace Awards dinner hosted by the Peace and Justice Center, said his role as mayor has provided him with opportunity to serve others.

The event held at the the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus drew about 200 attendees committed to the promotion of peace, justice and mutual understanding.

Concert was specifically honored for his response to a white supremacist organization’s efforts last fall “to recruit members and terrify citizens of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” according to a program for the event.

Organizing a candlelight vigil during that time, Concert said he was sending a message to racist groups that “the valley is about heart, not hate.”

“Absence of action is not a resolution,” said Concert. “I wanted to do what I could to promote peace and equality within our society.”

Concert also looked back on the events of 9/11, which he said brought the country together despite religious or cultural differences.

Dotty Bell, who described Concert as a lifelong friend, said Concert truly seeks to enrich the lives of those with whom he comes in contact.

“He’s organizes events throughout the year that bring the community together,” she said.

Concert said his current political position has allowed him to be a voice of the people. Still, it’s been a long road to leadership.

“I ran for Dallas School Board director, Kingston Township supervisor and Dallas Township supervisor,” he said. “And I lost.”

He remembers his father asking him, “When you going to stop, Chris?”

Concert remembers telling his dad, now deceased, “When I win.”

“Winning” for Concert seems to mean working harder and thinking of innovative ways to bring people together.

Katie Gereda, who received a “Student for Peace” award at the dinner, also stressed the importance of making the lives of others better.

Gereda brought to life a “Theater of Peace” anti-bullying program at a Peace Camp for children, receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award for doing so. She said she was inspired when she was a camper and a presenter asked those in the audience, “Who had been bullied?”

“Almost everyone raised their hand,” she said. “I knew I needed to help somehow.”

Gereda said successfully dealing with bullies ultimately comes back to being OK with yourself.

Angela Costigan was also was honored with such an award, having attended peace camp herself and then designed a new website for the camp, updated its curriculum and established volunteer training sessions.

Now a senior theater major at Temple University, she hopes to someday serve in the Peace Corps and establish a theater-based art therapy program.

The Interfaith Council of Wyoming Valley also was honored with a Citation of Distinction for “exemplifying the ideals of human dignity, compassion and friendship.”

To the Peace Center’s Ellie Miller and the Rev. Ann Marie Acacio, who, born 10 weeks apart, call each other “sis,” peace centers on relationships and embracing diversity.

“We don’t just tolerate diversity,” said Miller as she addressed those gathered. “We truly celebrate it.”

Ellie Miller of Shavertown, right, gives a bouquet of flowers to her friend, the Rev. Ann Marie Acacio, after giving welcoming remarks at the 2016 Peace & Justice Awards dinner at the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus on Monday evening.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL052416PeaceJustice_1.jpg.optimal.jpgEllie Miller of Shavertown, right, gives a bouquet of flowers to her friend, the Rev. Ann Marie Acacio, after giving welcoming remarks at the 2016 Peace & Justice Awards dinner at the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus on Monday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Swoyersville Mayor and Susan Merrill Constance Kozel Award recipient Christopher Concert, right, chats with Interfaith Resource Center for Peace & Justice Director Rod Gereda at the 2016 Peace & Justice Awards dinner at the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus on Monday evening.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL052416PeaceJustice_2.jpg.optimal.jpgSwoyersville Mayor and Susan Merrill Constance Kozel Award recipient Christopher Concert, right, chats with Interfaith Resource Center for Peace & Justice Director Rod Gereda at the 2016 Peace & Justice Awards dinner at the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus on Monday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Attendees listen during opening remarks at the 2016 Peace & Justice Awards dinner at the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus on Monday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL052416PeaceJustice_3.jpg.optimal.jpgAttendees listen during opening remarks at the 2016 Peace & Justice Awards dinner at the Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus on Monday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times LeaderBill Tarutis | For Times Leader
Mayor, two students, council receive awards

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons.