Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative

April 27, 2012
Cherry Blossom Festival
Marshfield, Missouri

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The Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative was presented to PJ Haarsma, Denise Gary, and Nathan Fillion for their work in founding Kids Need to Read to provide literacy resources to disadvantaged children and adolescents throughout the United States. The award is Marshfield, Missouri's highest honor and is presented annually to those who have shown great initiative in their lifetime. The award and accompanying dinner is named in honor of Marshfield's native son and namesake of the Hubble Space Telescope, Edwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953).

Photographs © William Russell, Kelly Schlereth, and Denise Gary

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Denise enjoys a Hubble Telescope replica before the award dinner. © Denise Gary PJ and Denise at the Hubble Award Dinner © William Russell Kelly Schlereth presented PJ and Denise with scrapbook pages commemorating the event. © Kelly Schlereth Marie Bruno, the first cousin of President Clinton, introduced the dinner attendees to PJ, Denise, Nathan (absent), and Kids Need to Read. © Kelly Schlereth The awards were presented by Edwin P. Hubble's nephew John Lane and festival organizer Reverend Nicholas Inman. © Kelly Schlereth Denise admires her medal as PJ begins his acceptance speech. © Kelly Schlereth PJ elicited many laughs during his acceptance speech. © William Russell Denise evoked tears from audience members during her impassioned speech. © William Russell The cherry pie contest entries were auctioned to raise funds for future Cherry Blossom Festivals. © Denise Gary Denise enjoys a slice of award-winning pie with Kate Bryce and Reverend Inman. © Denise Gary Nathan Fillion was unable to attend the ceremony, but PJ delivered his medal upon his return to Los Angeles. © PJ Haarsma © Denise Gary