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Benjamin Rose Golden Achievement Finalists
For more than a century, Benjamin Rose has worked alongside older adults and their families. In that time, one thing has become clear: aging is not a story of decline. It is a story of resilience and new opportunities. Every day, Benjamin Rose staff engages with older adults who are learning new skills, volunteering in their communities and sharing a lifetime of knowledge. Yet despite these achievements, outdated stereotypes suggest that the later years are a time to slow down and leave leadership to the next generation.
Benjamin Rose’s Let’s Rethink Aging philosophy challenges those assumptions, holding that older adults are among their communities’ greatest assets and bring a unique perspective that can enrich the lives of people of all ages. The Golden Achievement Awards were created to celebrate individuals who embody that vision and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Presented as part of Triumph: Benjamin Rose Celebrates You, Benjamin Rose’s annual luncheon and community fair, the Golden Achievement Awards honor Northeast Ohioans aged 60 and older who have achieved distinction in their profession, community leadership or volunteer service. Triumph was inspired by the organization’s belief that older adults deserve to have their successes recognized and their stories shared. By bringing together clients, community partners and supporters, the event highlights the many ways people continue to learn and thrive as they age. The Golden Achievement Awards are an extension of that celebration, honoring individuals whose leadership and service encourage all of us to rethink what is possible in later life.
This year’s finalists — Judy Stull, Susan Price and Afi Scruggs — have each made lasting contributions to Northeast Ohio through service, leadership and creativity. Whether by preserving local history, strengthening neighborhoods or helping others discover the joy of artistic expression, they represent what it means to age with purpose.
Judy Stull, 86
Judy Stull’s lifelong motto of “Service Above Self” has shaped how she gives back, shares wisdom and uses her love for her hometown to celebrate and elevate it for young and old alike. A dedicated volunteer, local historian and community leader in Berea, Judy has spent decades enriching the lives of others through organizations like the Berea Historical Society and the Rotary Club of Berea. Whether preserving local history, supporting literacy and scholarships for students, or volunteering at community ministries and food drives, Judy believes the lessons of the past can help strengthen and inspire the present.
Susan Price, 86
Susan Price believes older adulthood isn’t a time to step back but to step up and serve as a model and source of inspiration to others. From her career as a nurse practitioner, educator and certified diabetes educator to her decades of leadership with the Larchmere Community Association, she continues to serve with compassion, wisdom and humility. Susan remains deeply engaged in neighborhood life, helping organize events, produce community newsletters and mentor emerging leaders. Her thoughtful leadership and steady presence have helped sustain the Larchmere community through periods of growth and challenge, and continue to guide it toward a brighter future.
Afi Scruggs, 71
Afi Scruggs brings her own creative flourish to the aging experience through the power of music. As Head of Creative Aging at The Music Settlement, she is transforming perceptions of older adulthood through programs that encourage artistic growth, lifelong learning and meaningful social connection. A lifelong musician, award-winning journalist, author and teaching artist, Afi leads by example, demonstrating that creativity and curiosity only deepen with age. Through ensembles, jam sessions and collaborative music experiences, she empowers older adults to explore new talents, reconnect with passions and embrace aging as a vibrant stage of life filled with leadership, imagination and possibility.
