The Pawtucket Foundation recently hosted its ninth annual Awards Celebration at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center. The event drew a crowd of 430 guests to honor Pawtucket’s community leaders.

“The Awards Celebration is a unique opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Pawtucket community,” said Michael Horan, master of ceremonies for the event. “The award recipients represent the best examples of civic leadership and entrepreneurship that the foundation tries to embody and encourage throughout the community.”

Nancy Whit, executive director of Pawtucket Citizens Development Corporation, received the Special Distinction Award; Vincent Ceglie, executive director of Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, received the Heritage Award; and John J. Partridge, senior council at Partridge Snow & Hahn, received the Person of the Year Award. All were presented citations and resolutions by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin and Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. •