Dr. Maria Boria, who lives in Chestertown, came to the Eastern Shore over two decades ago and has been quietly and tirelessly working on behalf of low-income women ever since. A gynecologist by training, she founded the first hospital for women in India and has played a key role in providing health care services to low-income women in clinics throughout the United States.

Currently Dr. Boria provides medical care for migrant workers at the Marydel Clinic and for low-income women at the Rock Hall Free Clinic. She charges no fees for her services at these Kent County clinics, which are run entirely with private contributions. Dr. Boria helps to defray the cost of medications for her patients, most of whom have no insurance coverage, by convincing other physicians to contribute samples from pharmaceutical companies to the clinics. Many have noted that it is difficult to say “no” to Maria Boria. Her quiet dedication is compelling and her results are persuasive.

Chestertown’s Carla Massoni, who nominated Dr. Boria for the award, puts it this way: “She demonstrates the kind of compassion that produces results. If there is a need, she fills it. If she possesses the skills and abilities that make it possible to relieve the suffering of another, then she takes action. She inspires others by the simplicity of her approach. Her humanity astounds me.”

For over twenty years, Sandra Wellford King has been the director and leading light of Talbot Special Riders, a therapeutic riding program. Her leadership and dedication have strongly contributed to the success of the program, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Because of Mrs. King’s energy, enthusiasm and plain hard work, Talbot Special Riders grew each year, ultimately gaining certification from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. For ten weeks each spring and fall, every Tuesday and Thursday morning, she is on the scene helping the riders gain physical strength, poise and self-confidence while mastering new tasks and skills on horseback. With her passion for horses and compassion for others, Sandra Wellford King brings achievement and joy into the lives of riders and volunteers alike.

Mrs. Harriet Critchlow of Talbot County, affectionately and appropriately known as “Happy,” has devoted her life to meeting the needs of women and girls in the Mid-Shore region. Over thirty years ago, Mrs. Critchlow recognized the need of working women to have access to safe and affordable day care. With her friend, Janice Adkins, she co-founded the Easton Day Care Center in 1970. From that day until today, Mrs. Critchlow has nurtured the growth and development of the Easton Day Care Center in every way imaginable.

Today, the Center serves almost four hundred children at five locations in Talbot County. Since its inception, Happy has served as the Board’s President and Treasurer, found teachers and directors, worked with children, and tirelessly raised money for the Center. Her generous leadership has benefited two generations of Talbot County children and allowed countless women to work or to advance their educations.

Mrs. Critchlow’s vision, dedication, leadership and generous gifts of time and financial support throughout her life have created a legacy that has enhanced the lives of so many women and girls. She is truly an inspiration to all of us.