2nd-graders liven up United Way event.

WORCESTER - The United Way of Central Massachusetts honored area companies and individuals at its annual celebration yesterday at Mechanics Hall.

The event was held to recognize people in the community for their commitment to "LIVE UNITED" through volunteering, advocating and giving.

One of the highlights of the program was an appearance by a class of second-graders from the Goddard School of Science and Technology. The students started a local "Pennies for Peace" campaign to help support an effort to build schools across the world.

Last fall, the students from Dawn McCabe's classroom were inspired after they read "Listen to the Wind," the children's version of Greg Mortenson's book "Three Cups of Tea." The book recounts Mr. Mortenson's promise to help a Pakistani village build a school by collecting pennies. He has since built 100 schools in that region.

Among those receiving recognition were: the National Grid campaign team and Fritz Zuegg, The Hope Group, employee campaign manager awards; Brian Thompson, Commerce Bank, Aubrey Reid Award; Rita Crimmin, Commonwealth Corps for the Volunteer Center calendar program; Sandra Ellis, Massachusetts Nurses Association, Labor Services, the Community Hero Award; J. Christopher Collins, Unum, Orville Harrold Community Leadership Award; Ann Tripp and Dale Perkins, Alexis de Tocqueville Award; Fallon Community Health Plan, Corporate Citizen of the Year, and the Hanover Insurance Group Inc., Stoddard Award.

Also recognized was Lois Green, past United Way board member and founding member of the Women's Initiative. An endowment will be set up in Mrs. Green's name to fund women's philanthropy.

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: WORCESTER - Goddard School second-grade teacher Dawn McCabe stands with some of her students who were called up onto the Mechanics Hall stage last night. They were recognized for participating in the Pennies for Peace program during the United Way of Central Massachusetts annual celebration. From left are Brandon Rivera, Matthew Greenman, Michanna Sims, Sarai Burgos, Gabriel Vales and, taking a bow, Robert Diaz.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/PAUL KAPTEYN