Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First, has been honored by the National Head Start Association (NHSA) for his significant achievements in excellence in community service.

The NHSA represents more than one million children, 275,000 staff, and 1,600 grant recipients in the United States. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First ranks in the top 1% of all programs nationwide.

Mr. Tavill was first recognized by the Florida Head Start Association for his impact in elevating excellence across the state’s Head Start community. He received further recognition at the Southeastern U.S. regional level, representing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 member programs.

After being honored by the state and regional associations, Mr. Tavill received the Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award during the NHSA annual conference on May 10.

Sargent Shriver was an American diplomat, politician, and activist. As the driving force behind the creation of the Peace Corps, he founded the Job Corps, Head Start, VISTA, Upward Bound, and other programs as the architect of the 1960s War on Poverty. Shriver received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, from President Bill Clinton in 1994.

“Philip joins a list of highly accomplished leaders making notable and significant contributions to improving the lives of children and families at the state, regional, and national levels,” says Reverend Brock H. Leach, Children First Board Chair. “Thank you for showing us what is possible when you care deeply, work tirelessly, and earn the enduring trust of people from all walks of life.”

About Children First:
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At 15 sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.
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