We are pleased to recognize two more influential African Americans who live on the Maryland Eastern Shore. These individuals were chosen because of the influence they exert on a significant part of the Shore community. Some are influential simply because of their positions and some have achieved their positions because of their influence in the community. Some are well known and some are controversial.

Outstanding Achiever Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson The Outstanding Achiever for this issue is Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson founder and advisor to the UMES Drama Society. The Drama Society has been functioning as the backbone of the university's drama program for 28 years under the advisorship of its director, Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson. Casting for its productions are open to the public. She earned her Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History and Criticism from Northern Illinois University and her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland College Park.

Unsung Hero Donnie A. LaRue Our Unsung Hero for this issue is Donnie A. LaRue, chairman of the Board of Three Lower Counties Community Health Center. Under his volunteer leadership, the Center provides health services in Somerset and Wicomico County. It recently acquired the Health-way Building in Salisbury and shopping center space in Princess Anne to expand its services. LaRue is a Pharmacist and the Pharmacy Support Services Supervisor at Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he has over 30 years of service and was the 2002 Employee of the Year. He worked his way up from Pharmacy Tech I through Tech II and Purchasing Coord-inator.