CHAPEL HILL - Colleen Lanigan, Special Olympics Coordinator at the Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department, was announced the winner of the 2012 Cal Horton Service Award.

Town Manager Roger L. Stancil made the announcement Friday.

The W. Calvin Horton Service Award is one of the highest honors the Town of Chapel Hill bestows upon an employee.

It is given to a Town employee who brings credit to the Town with exceptional contributions to the community.

The employee represents the ideals of public service to citizens and peers in everyday demeanor and actions. The recipient will receive an inscribed glass plaque and a cash stipend.

In making the announcement, town officials noted Lanigan has worked with the Special Olympics program since 1990 and has served as Special Olympics Coordinator for the Town of Chapel Hill for more than 17 years.

She administers year-round athletic events for more than 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities, ranging in age from five years to adult.

“She routinely goes beyond job expectations, and her enthusiasm and energy are contagious. She is very highly regarded within the community, as well as with her co-workers,” the town’s prepared statement read.

“Her professionalism, work ethic and dedication to the program and participants make her as a tremendous asset to the community.”

The W. Calvin Horton Service Award was initiated in 2006 with funds raised through the Foundation for a Sustainable Community Inc.

The community raised the funds to honor the 16 years of service of Town Manager Cal Horton.

It was Horton’s request that the funds raised be used to award Town employees of at least 10 years for distinguished service.

The fund supports the cash stipend associated with the award.