When you hear how she's described by others, it's no surprise Annie B. West received the Foster Grandparent Program's Inspiration Award at their annual banquet.
West, a Foster Grandparent volunteer for the Franklin County SPAN program, received the award at the 43rd annual banquet held Thursday at the A.W. Todd Centre.
“She is a woman that includes all things beautiful—a beautiful smile, heart, presence and a love for her students. She represents her title of Foster Grandmother with diligence, motivation and compassion,” said Allison Hayes with SPAN.
West is one of approximately 80 foster grandparents who work in day care facilities, schools, afterschool programs and Head Start. The program covers five counties, including Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston.
Jessica Latham, Foster Grandparent Program Director, said West was a fitting recipient of the Inspiration Award when you consider her relationship with the students she works with each day.
“She has a heart of gold and truly loves the children she works with,” Latham said. “She inspires them to reach for the starts and to never give up. She is such an inspiration for our program,” she added.
The Foster Grandparent Program is based in Russellville, with its office at Westside Apartments. Members work an average of 15-40 hours each week and receive a small, non-taxed stipend twice a month for their time.
Other award recipients at this year's banquet included:
--Volunteer of the Year: Corrine White, Brooks Elementary.
--Fundraising Award: Judy Martin, Hackleburg Elementary.
--Rookie of the Year Award: Patricia Whitson.
--Most Service Hours Award: Constance Hooks, Touch of Love Daycare.
--Volunteer Rose Awards: Bernice Bolton, Russellville Elementary; Martha Taylor, Vina; Lennis Reams, Vina; Mary Ann Williams, Belgreen; Margaret McGuire, Red Bay and Hattie Freeman, West Elementary.
For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program, contact Latham at 256-332-6800.
