NOVA presented its 2nd Annual Upstander Awards on October 23 at the Newtown Campus of Bucks County Community College (Credit: NOVA)
(The following press release was provided verbatim by NOVA Bucks County)
NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency, honored several Bucks County residents with Upstander Awards on October 23 at the Newtown Campus of Bucks County Community College. The annual awards recognize individuals of all ages who, when witnessing injustice or bullying, take safe and meaningful action to help others.
The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Patrick Jones, president and CEO of Bucks County Community College, who shared that he had “the privilege of recognizing some of these extraordinary individuals — local heroes who, in big and small ways, are changing lives and lifting others up.”
Award recipients were selected by a distinguished committee that included Adrienne King, president of the Bucks County NAACP and Founder of the Pair Up Society; Mike Taylor, park president of Sesame Place; Steve Heath, former sergeant with the Northampton Police Department; Theresa Cheshire, program and prevention specialist with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit; Kristin Chapin, director of the Area Agency on Aging; and Joe Wingert, publisher of the Bucks County Herald.
The following individuals and groups were honored for exemplifying the Upstander values of kindness, inclusion, and courage:
Erika Flayer - Adult Upstander of the Year Throughout her career, Erika has worked with organizations including A Woman’s Place, NOVA, Bucks County Opportunity Council, and the District Attorney’s Office, with a focus on making our communities safer, stronger, and more just. Flayer is bilingual, allowing her to be an advocate for immigrants and underrepresented communities in Bucks County. In addition, Flayer volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and teaches English classes in her free time. No matter where she is or who she is with, Erika leads with kindness, compassion, and a smile.
Detective William Mokriski - First Responder Upstander Award: Detective Mokriski of the Doylestown Township Police Department was nominated for the incredible compassion and professionalism he demonstrated while working on a difficult criminal case. From the very beginning, he approached the situation with care, empathy, and a trauma-informed mindset. He ensured that the victim felt heard, supported, and safe at every step of the process. Mokriski went so far as to be present at a court proceeding he wasn’t required to attend, just to be there for the victim — showing not only his commitment to the case, but to the human being at the center of it.
Pennridge Improvement Project (PIP) - Group Upstander Award: Accepting the award on the group’s behalf was one of its founding members, Emily Smith. PIP was born in the summer of 2021, when a group of mothers in the Pennridge School District came together to support children and families in a time of growing need. PIP has launched book drives to counter censorship, awarded scholarships, provided supplies including foster care kits, and hosted community events like PIP Pride and Art in the Park. PIP has become a strong and compassionate voice for acceptance, diversity, and belonging. Their work shows that true change begins when people come together to stand up, not just for their own children, but for all children.
Rebekah Rudolph - School Spirit Upstander Award: Rebekah Rudolph, an autistic support teacher at Strayer Middle School in Quakertown, was nominated by a colleague for her work with nonverbal students. Rudolph creates a classroom environment where every child is seen, heard, and valued. She doesn’t just redirect challenging moments — she slows down, listens, and gives her students the tools they need to understand and express their feelings. Rudolph validates their emotions and builds deep trust through patience, empathy, and unwavering care, and sees every behavior as communication, responding with compassion, not judgment. Teaching in this role is demanding. It requires strength, dedication, and a heart that chooses love, every single day. Rudolph embodies all of that — and more.
Giovanni’s Dillicious Pickles - Workplace Upstander Award: The staff at Giovanni’s Dillicious Pickles were nominated by both a loyal customer and the shop’s owner. This small pickle shop has shown that kindness, community, and compassion can live at the heart of a business. When storms left families without power, the staff members Therese, Alanna, Alicia, Steve, Rachel, and Jason opened their doors to allow people a place to charge phones, warm bottles, and find relief. In addition, Giovanni’s created programs to promote reading, offer free meals, and celebrate individuals with disabilities through their "celebrity employee" shifts. The team at Giovanni’s gives their time, energy, and hearts to those in need. They volunteer on holidays, deliver blessing bags to the homeless, and show up — even on days off — to care for their community. Giovanni’s owner Gabrielle Favoroso said it best: “They are not just employees. They are the heartbeat of the shop and the soul of the community.”
Callie Porter, Council Rock High School South - Youth Upstander of the Year: Callie was nominated by her grandmother for demonstrating compassion far beyond her years. This is evident in the love and care she shows for her Uncle Matthew, who is nonverbal and lives with severe disabilities. Despite being 10 years younger and a fraction of his size, Porter became his guardian angel. She helps him cook, clean, tackle social anxiety, and feel joy in the world around him. Porter has also helped new students feel welcome, bridged language barriers, advocated for children with disabilities, and even inspired her peers to join her in service clubs. Her teachers and community leaders have taken notice, since she stands out through quiet and consistent compassion. Porter leads with empathy, courage, and heart.
“We are truly honored to recognize each of the awardees for showing us what it means to be an Upstander,” said Penelope Ettinger, Executive Director, NOVA. “They have stepped up, spoken out, and stood beside those who could not do so for themselves. In doing so, they have made our community stronger, kinder, and more connected.”
About NOVA
NOVA supports and empowers victims of crime in Bucks County and works to prevent violence through training, advocacy, and prevention education. Founded in 1974, NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization operating out of three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison and Perkasie. Services are made possible through the
financial support of federal, state and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.
