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This award is given in memory of Martha Davis, LVSC’s board president who passed away unexpectedly in 2018.  For 16 years, Martha dedicated herself to LVSC: she was a tutor, conversation group leader, event committee member, board member, and 10-year board president.  She did not miss an event or a meeting.

Each year The Martha Davis Award for Outstanding Service is given to an individual who embodies Martha’s spirit of volunteerism and dedication to LVSC’s mission. This year Phil Armenio is receiving the award in recognition of his outstanding service and support as a nine-year board member and board president for the past six years. 

It's an honor to present this well-deserved award to Phil. I have greatly appreciated his wise advice, helpful guidance, and generous support. -Aimee Lam, Executive Director

Phil retired from a long career in information technology at Johnson & Johnson. It was there that he met Martha Davis, an executive assistant. There was an issue with a project Phil was leading and he was summonsed to meet with Martha’s boss. While waiting for what he assumed would be a tough meeting, Martha and Phil engaged in pleasant conversation. They became fast friends. Soon Phil was called into his meeting, but first Martha told her boss in her warm but commanding way, “now you be nice to Phil.” The meeting went much better than expected. So, years later when Martha asked Phil to join the LVSC board, how could he say no?

Martha & Phil, LVSC's 2017 Garden of Literacy Brunch.

Phil became an LVSC tutor in 2011 and went on to lead a conversation group. He joined the LVSC board in 2014 and was Martha's vice president when she passed away. Phil stepped in as president and has since led the board through not only an unexpected leadership change, but also an unexpected global pandemic.