Montgomery Serves Awards 2021

Congratulations to the 2021 Montgomery Serves Awards honorees. These individuals, businesses, and groups have demonstrated remarkable commitment to service and volunteerism in our community, earning them Montgomery County's highest recognition for their contributions.

Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Service Award 

Honoring extraordinary contributions to the quality of our community

Blanca Kling

Blanca Kling, who passed away in January 2021, served Montgomery residents for four decades as a media spokesperson, community leader, and victims’ rights advocate.

“Blanquita,” as she was often referred to by many in our community, had a long track record of public service and a lifetime of dedication to County government and its constituents.

In 1980, Ms. Kling began her public service career with the Montgomery County Police Department as a Victim Specialist in the Fourth District located in Wheaton. In 2005, she continued her selfless advocacy to County residents when she transferred to the Department’s Community Engagement Division as the Hispanic Liaison in the Public Information Division.

During her tenure with the Police Department, Ms. Kling assisted in crime prevention efforts, and helped launch anti-gang programs at schools and street safety campaigns. She visited crime scenes and worked tirelessly and compassionately to help victims of crimes and other public safety incidents.

Through her compassion for others, Ms. Kling became a pillar in the Latino community, where she would often appear on television and radio to inform, forge authentic relationships, and build bridges of communication between Spanish speaking residents and the police force. No matter how challenging the need was, she relied on her deep faith to move mountains for those less fortunate or in deep despair. She has been described as the “voice and ears of the police” within the County’s Latino community.

In 2016, Ms. Kling was nominated by then U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen to receive the Suzanne McDaniel Memorial Award for Public Awareness, by the U.S. Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus. This award is bestowed to individuals and organizations that have used their voice, through the media, to promote change for victims of crimes. Her unwavering service established valuable partnerships and initiatives and gave a voice to the needs of the Latino community. The number of people she helped during her career is immeasurable.

A native of Bolivia, Ms. Kling was the first in her family to migrate to the United States. She graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and studied at Montgomery College. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and mentor, she will be remembered for her devoted service and contributions to supporting and uplifting the community.

See all of this year's honorees