Indian Head Honors Marissa Ackerman As 2025 Community Champion Of The Year

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — In many communities, the people doing the most meaningful work are often the ones who do it quietly.

They are the organizers, the problem solvers and the helpers who make sure families have what they need long before anyone else notices the gap.

In Indian Head, that quiet leadership is why Marissa Ackerman has been named the 2025 Community Champion of the Year by Voice of Indian Head in partnership with the Town of Indian Head.

“I’m just doing what I think is right for our families and students,” Ackerman said. “The best part is that so many people in this community show up to help. None of it works without them.”

Ackerman serves as the community school coordinator at Indian Head Elementary School, where she is part of the Community School team helping families get enrolled and connected to food, healthcare, enrichment programs and everyday resources that make life a little easier for students and parents.

The award was presented by Mayor Brandon Paulin and Voice of Indian Head Director Victor Foulk, who recognized Ackerman’s role in building partnerships that directly support families across the west side of Charles County.

Connecting Families With Community Resources

At Indian Head Elementary, Ackerman helps coordinate a food pantry that serves at least 100 people during biweekly openings. Through partnerships with community groups, 110 snack bags are also distributed every Friday, helping ensure students have food over the weekend.

The effort has grown into a community-wide network focused not just on providing food, but doing so with dignity — ensuring families receive quality items while maintaining privacy and respect.

Ackerman is also part of the Community School team helping bring what will become Charles County’s first school-based health center to the school. The grand opening is expected soon. Once open, the center will allow families to access services such as immunizations, strep testing and sports physicals directly through the school, making healthcare more convenient for many families.

Beyond health and food access, Ackerman works to expand opportunities for students through after-school clubs and enrichment programs. More than 100 students participate during a single season, with hundreds reached throughout the year.

Her work also strengthens support for military-connected students. Under her leadership, the school earned Purple Star recognition, highlighting programs that support military families — about 10 percent of the student population.

Ackerman’s work often changes from day to day, guided by what students, families and the community need most at any given moment.

“All of the other nominees are a big part of why these programs succeed,” Ackerman said. “They help fill the pantry, promote events, support families and show up whenever the community needs them. None of this work happens without those partnerships.”

Together, these efforts help make sure families in Indian Head have the support they need when they need it most.

As part of the award, Ackerman donated the monetary portion of the recognition back to the school’s pantry program — continuing the cycle of support for local families.

Community Leaders Also Recognized

While Ackerman received the top honor, several other Indian Head residents were recognized as finalists for their impact across the community.

Rebecca “Becky” Chick, outreach director at BRIDGE Church, was honored for organizing large seasonal events that bring hundreds of residents together while also leading volunteer teams and food collection programs for families in need.

Sherry Rison, community coordinator at Indian Head Baptist Church, was recognized for her steady service supporting families through church mission work, pantry support and programs that provide winter clothing and Thanksgiving meals for local families.

Pastors Jenn and Rick Legacy of BRIDGE Church were also recognized for strengthening the community through youth programs, family support initiatives and investments in shared community spaces like the Blackbox Theater.

Celebrating Those Who Show Up

The Community Champion of the Year award was created by Voice of Indian Head and the Town of Indian Head to highlight residents whose service helps strengthen the town.

Organizers say the finalists represent a common thread: people who notice needs, bring others together and keep showing up to help.

For Indian Head, that spirit of service continues to shape a community where neighbors support neighbors — often in ways most people never see.

Learn more about the Indian Head Community School and connect with Marissa here.

Read more about the Community Champion program and the people helping strengthen the Indian Head community at voih.org/champion.

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