Leslie Klemm recently helped paint a mural in the library of the Larc Norcross School, a nonprofit, special-needs school in Bellmawr.
Moorestown resident Leslie Klemm was named Volunteer of the Year for AmeriHealth’s second annual Be of Service campaign, which recognizes a Corporate Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year who go above and beyond for their community.
“Volunteerism and giving back to our communities are central to who we are at AmeriHealth,” said Mike Munoz, senior VP and president of Diversified Markets for AmeriHealth. “It’s an honor for us to continue our Be of Service campaign to showcase the selfless individuals and organizations who are creating a better, healthier, New Jersey through generous acts of kindness.”
AmeriHealth believes strengthening the communities it serves helps create healthier futures for its members and those they serve. It celebrates those who’ve demonstrated impactful work while encouraging them to remain committed to their communities.
“I was so surprised …” acknowledged Klemm, a former teacher. “When I won, I was kind of flabbergasted. It was so personally meaningful to me because I’ve always kind of been in the mindset that your service is your own reward …
“To be able to do what I’m passionate about and have AmeriHealth recognize me for that, that is beyond a (retired teacher’s) dream.”
Klemm formerly taught language arts. After a 31-year career, she retired in June of 2024 from the William Allen Middle School and volunteered her time to help paint a mural at the Larc Norcross School’s library. She also supported additional needs there, such as adding to the digital catalog, changing displays, repairing books and reading to students.
Larc Norcross – a nonprofit, special-needs school in Bellmawr – is a special place for Klemm: Her daughter, Trixie, graduated from there last year.
Members of the public submitted nominations for both an individual and organization in New Jersey. Klemm was nominated by Kim Cowperthwait, manager of community affairs and events for Larc Norcross. The nominations were reviewed by a panel of judges from AmeriHealth based on the essay submission and a winner was selected for each category. (Covenant House New Jersey was selected as Corporate Citizen of the Year).
Winners of each award received a $500 gift card from AmeriHealth and a donation of $1,500 to a charity of their choice. Klemm chose to make her donation to Larc.
“Larc is a really, really special place,” she noted. “I can’t sing its praises highly enough … It’s just such an incredible space for special-needs children, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for other kids as well. They have volunteers come in from different school groups, they have sibling groups that meet over the summer …
“They just do really special things throughout the course of the year, and they’re constantly growing, too.”
