Acel Moore, The Inquirer's associate editor emeritus, was presented with the 2009 Star Alumnus Eddy in ceremonies at Drexel University's Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center.

Moore, an Overbrook High School graduate and Pulitzer Prize winner, was recognized for giving back to the community through his work mentoring public school students.

Erica Garner, a Drexel junior, received the Rising Star Eddy. A dual-enrollment program between Vaux High School and Community College of Philadelphia enabled her to earn a high school diploma in three years.

Garner is studying for a nursing degree. The Rising Star award is presented to a college student whose "success exemplifies the unlimited potential of Philadelphia's youth," the fund said.

The Star Commitment to Education Eddy was presented to the LEAP program run by Temple University's Beasley School of Law. The program educates nonlawyers - particularly middle and high school students - about the law and citizenship.

The Lincoln Financial Group was recognized for establishing the Philadelphia Charitable Contributions Committee, which focuses on projects and programs that improve the welfare of city residents. The fund awarded it the Star Business Eddy.

The Star Commitment to Education Eddy went to the Philadelphia Student Union and to Youth United for Change. The two organizations are "shifting the landscape of public education," the fund said, by developing youth leadership and education advocates.

The fund created the Eddys in 2005 to highlight public-education issues. - Inquirer staff