Activists cheer Visions award honorees.

Byline: Steven H. Foskett Jr.

WORCESTER - What better to accompany an award presentation to a self-described "full-time activist" than, well, some activism?

As Telegram & Gazette Editor Harry T. Whitin introduced Laura M. Suroviak as the recipient of the Young Leader Award at the T&G's Visions community awards yesterday at Mechanics Hall, cheers broke out in the balcony and a group of activists dropped three huge handmade banners promoting three organizations Ms. Suroviak works with. She wasn't embarrassed at all.

"I was hoping to have a presence here for groups I'm active with right now," Ms. Suroviak said after the ceremony. "They're doing critical work. It's exciting to see so many people here, so we can be visible where there are so many key leaders who can learn what we're doing and take some action."

Ms. Suroviak received the award given for outstanding achievement by an individual age 35 or younger. She was honored for her work with various groups and agencies, including Women Together, the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, and the Save Our Poolz Coalition.

The Isaiah Thomas Citizen of the Year Award went to James W. Coghlin Sr. of Shrewsbury, chairman of Coghlin Companies Inc. in Worcester.

Mr. Coghlin was recognized at the awards ceremony as, in Mr. Whitin's words, "a man who throws himself heart and soul into everything he does and who helps the community in so many ways not because family upbringing says to, but because it is important."

The Telegram & Gazette launched the Visions awards in 1991 to promote progressive change, encourage community involvement and recognize exceptional contributions by individuals and organizations.

Mr. Coghlin said he was humbled and honored by the award, and immediately recognized the five other award recipients at the ceremony.

"Your presence is a wonderful gift," Mr. Coghlin said.

Besides being a leader in the business community, Mr. Coghlin does volunteer work on behalf of many organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Mohegan Council of Boy Scouts, the American Heart Association, Jeremiah's Inn, Alternatives Unlimited, UMass Memorial Foundation, YOU Inc. and the Jewish Community Center.

Mr. Coghlin said that as he becomes aware of the needs of others, he acts on them with all his abilities.

The Public Service Award went to Josefina Velez, director of social services at Friendly House. The Cultural Enrichment Award went to Edward P. Madaus and Paul J. Demoga, the pair behind the transformation of the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. Rachel S. Ravina received the Academic Achievement Award on the basis of an essay contest open to T&G Student Achievers.

Frederick H. Eppinger, president and chief executive officer of the Hanover Insurance Group, gave the keynote address. He said that despite the state of the economy, Worcester is uniquely poised to become one of the greatest cities of its size in the country.

He said a continued focus on the city's downtown, its neighborhoods, its public schools and its accessibility and convenience as it relates to Boston will carry it forward.

"Our city still has momentum," Mr. Eppinger said. "That's a secret weapon."

Mr. Eppinger spoke of expanding a pilot program Hanover has been participating in over the past few years in the public schools, where it provides resources to help schools get high school graduates into college.

"My focus is really very clear," Mr. Eppinger said. "If we create the best urban public school system in the commonwealth, we would have the finest smaller city."

Telegram & Gazette Publisher Bruce Gaultney spoke of how the newspaper industry has not been immune to the economy's woes, but told the audience that as local governments struggle with current issues, the paper's role as a watchdog is more important than ever.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/PAUL KAPTEYN

CUTLINE: (1) Visions award winners, from left, Laura Suroviak, Edward Madaus, Rachel Ravina and Paul Demoga applaud yesterday as James W. Coghlin Sr. of Shrewsbury, steps onto the stage to receive the Isaiah Thomas Award during the awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall. (2) From left, Visions award winners James Coghlin Sr., Laura Suroviak, Edward Madaus, Rachel Ravina, Paul Demoga and Josefina Velez at the Visions community awards ceremony yesterday at Mechanics Hall.