MARILYN DAHL

Marilyn has devoted her life to the development of young people. She is a true example of the 4-H mission-to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, building character, and developing life skills in a fun learning environment that will enable them to become self-directing, productive members of society.

She has volunteered for 52 years as a 4-H leader and during that time, Marilyn has helped plan Leadermete (a state 4-H leader training), served on the Leader Advisory Council, helped with county and state fairs and served as chairperson for the talent contest for 20 years.

Marilyn is the mother of six children and has been a foster placement home for seven Native American children. While raising her children, she continued working toward a degree in education. Twenty years after her high school graduation, Marilyn graduated from college and began as an elementary school resource teacher. She taught for 11 years, when she became school principal. She was principal for 12 more years retiring after 23 years.

During these years, Marilyn continued as a Volunteer 4-H leader, not only for her children, but also in an after school program. She touched hundreds of lives- perhaps the most memorable was teaching a young girl with out an arm how to sew. Marilyn has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of children and strengthen the 4-H program.

In addition to her countless hours devoted to 4-H, she has fulfilled an LDS mission and served as an election judge. She was an advisor for the Layton City Youth Council 4 years.

Marilyn is currently sharing her talents with the Youth and Families of Promise Program, which is a mentoring program through Utah State University/Davis County 4-H. She helps recruit senior mentors and match them with youth at risk. She not only helps with the “Family Nigh Out” activities, but mentors several children that need a caring adult.

Marilyn is a delightful lady- always cheerful and ready to help anyone in need. She is truly an inspiration and an example of a Governor’s Points of Light recipient.

JENNIFER KRAUSE

Jennifer Krause is being nominated for a Daily Point of Light Award for her outstanding service as a Casey Family Programs Foster Youth Mentor. Jennifer began mentoring a foster youth on October 15, 2003. Jennifer was matched with a 16 year-old youth living in a group home in rural East San Diego County.

Foster Youth Mentors commit to mentoring a youth for 8 hours a month for 12 months. As an Aviation Boatswain Mate stationed on the John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Jennifer’s service required her to be out at sea for weeks at a time. However, she always exceeded the 8 hours per month requirement by spending extra time with her mentee when she was at home.

Jennifer provided her mentee with invaluable friendship and support. In addition to helping her mentee with homework and school assignments, Jennifer and her mentee enjoyed athletic activities, museums, movies, trips to the ship and anything beach and ocean related. Jennifer was able to alleviate some of her mentees isolation by bringing her into the city for activities and outings.

Jennifer left the Navy in August and relocated to Wisconsin. Although their formal match did not reach the 12 month mark, Jennifer had over 100 face to face hours with her mentee despite being at sea for weeks at a time. In addition, Jennifer called her mentee almost daily to check in and provide support.

In my three years of coordinating the Foster Youth Mentoring program, Jennifer has been the most committed and heartfelt mentor I have worked with. She is truly deserving of a Daily Points of Light Award.

KATHY DALY

Ms. Daly is the recent past president of Holly Community, Inc. (HCI) and has served nine years on the board. Holly Community, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to serving people with disabilities in the nine counties of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.

For the past two years, Ms. Daly has been instrumental in organizing the Lower Shore Annual Spring Games for Special Olympics. There had been no games within 75 miles for eight years previous to 2004. Ms. Daly formed committees, managed finding a location, sponsors, and scheduled the events of the day. As a result of her efforts, HCI will continue to sponsor this event annually. Over 160 athletes and over 200 volutneers participated each year.

CHRISTOPHER WATSON

Christopher watson has helped the community in several ways. He is a 14 year old student at W-M Home School in Oak Grove, MO.

He has visited an elderly woman almost every week for several years until she died this past winter. He made gifts for her and played with her dog. For several years, he made Valentine Cards for Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The Cards are sent to a radio station and then delivered to the kids. He has also written letters to members of the military of our town and also of the United States. He has adopted a family for Christmas by making cards, candy, and cookies for them. This large family lost their mother one year, so he helped out for Christmas. He participates in National Youth Service Day. This past spring, he helped people in the community by raking yards, cleaning sheds, pulling weeds, and cleaning. He was a host brother for a Japanese student one summer. He played sports and games with her, went with her to the zoo etc. He does volunteer projects every year and continues to do so.

GEORGE L. BRAMBLE

George began volunteering at this hospital in 1980. Using skills developed in his career, George has been the answer to multiple needs in our hospital community.

Most recently, George demonstrated innovation in his capacity as Treasurer of the volunteer-managed gift shop. Our chairperson fell ill,and we have no replacement. George’s knowledge and ability to creatively work with others has kept us afloat and kept the doors open.

As the Timekeeper for volunteer service hours, George is in tune with the 160-member volunteer staff. Our records are always in order, complete and on time. One thing that particularly impresses me is his willingness to update to computerized spreadsheets. He is still on this educational course, building computer skills and adding to our efficiency.

As Volunteer Board Historian, George works with his wife Verla, to compile an annual historical record of the Auxiliary and its members. He photographs volunteer activities, sharing them with others and creating beautiful history books that are a treasure to those dedicated volunteers whose life and service have been captured within the pages.

In addition, George demonstrates remarkable service as a leader by performing beyond his job descriptions. Recently, George served on a task force. George represented our male volunteer staff, and proved instrumental in successfully implementing a uniform change in January 2004. His example and presence in this traditionally female organization has contributed to other quality gentlemen joining our auxiliary, and assuming leadership roles.

The title “gentleman” perfectly describes the tenderness, concern and exemplary service given by this man over the years. I doubt there is any service that could be asked of him that he would refuse. Perhaps the most important aspect of George’s commendable service is that very special connection with his chaming wife, Verla. Referring back to his now yellowed 23-year old application, George specified, “I will be happy to accept any volunteer assignment available where I may serve with my wife.” they have been married for 62 years. Both have continually served at this facility since that time, and today, they still arrive and depart together.

George is the hospital treasure. He is a deeply spiritual, humble gentleman who seeks no recognition for himself, but gladly gives it to others. He is the type of genuine person who reflects the saying, “good people beget good people.” he has influenced all of us to be better. When asked what feeds his volunteer spirit, George Explained, “It is important to seek God’s Kingdom in our everyday lives. Volunteering may require some sacrifice, but it feeds the soul.”

STEPHANIE ELIZABETH WOMACK

Stephanie enjoys competitive sports. They are exciting and challenging to her. Pole vaulting, jumping hurdles, and playing basketball are some of her favorites. Sports, academics and volunteer activities for church and school help her stay focused. She likes to show other students that drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not the recipe for fun. The formula for success is participation in school, church and community programs to help others.

University of North Texas offers the perfect program for her because she would like to earn a Bachelor’s degree and become a teacher of health and a coach for basketball or track. She looks forward to becoming a teacher and coach so that she can encourage and teach students. There is an obesity epidemic in the United States and she believes that every person needs to help America get fit. Many students don’t know that nutrition and regular exercise can keep them healthy.

She have participated and volunteered to help her school, church and neighborhood. Two of her favorite activities occurred on Super Bowl Sunday. The day included a youth led church service and watching the football game. Being an officer of the youth group, she participate in Habitat for Humanity, mission trips, food and clothing collections and other events. She was the lead coordinator for the youth led worship service that morning. The program included a praise band, youth choir, speakers, video presentations and a sermon. It was a very successful event with fifty-nine students participating. Also, the congregation responded with over $600 for charity. Every student did a wonderful job.

FED EX CORPORATION

Throughout our 65-year history, the March of Dimes has relied on the generosity of the American public to help us pursue our mission of saving babies’ lives. In the past decade, the willingness of corporate America to involve their employees in community service and fund-raising activities that support our cause has enhanced our ability to fund the research, health education and advocacy efforts that help families have healthy babies. FedEx Corporation stands apart as one of our most valued corporate partners. It is with great pleasure that the March of Dimes nominates FedEx Corporation for the Points of Light Award.

As with many of our corporate supporters, FedEx’s involvement with the March of Dimes began at a grassroots level. Since the 1980’s FedEx employees at their Memphis headquarters have banded together each spring to participate in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes largest annual fund-raising event. As the corporation grew, so did their employee support, and in 2001, FedEx coordinated a national effort to reach out to employees from all operating companies across the country to join the FedEx WalkAmerica team. Assisted by the leadership of dozens of FedEx managers, the FedEx team has grown to over 5,000 members and raised an impressive $1.1 million in 2004.

Personal stories of how our mission has touched their lives are shared by FedEx employees to inspire and motive team members. But these stories also help to spread March of Dimes health education messages to those who might otherwise not hear. FedEx’s dedication to helping us educate the population about the threats posed by premature birth spurred them to become an inaugural national sponsor of our Prematurity Campaign launched in 2003. And this year, FedEx Corporation recognized and rewarded the efforts of thousands of FedEx WalkAmerica team members by becoming a national sponsor of WalkAmerica for the next three years.

Today, two top FedEx executives provide leadership and guidance to the March of Dimes by sitting on our National Board of Trustees and Presidential Advisory Board. The FedEx team is poised to raise $2 million dollars through their participation in WalkAmerica. FedEx further assists our organization with generous donations of in-kind services that allow us to spread our life-saving message to increasing numbers of American families. The support we receive from FedEx Corporation and their employees positively affects every aspect of our organization. Together, we are striving toward our common goal “Safe, on time deliveries.”

GEORGE FEEMAN, Ph.D.

George Feeman is not just an outstanding volunteer; rather he is an exceptional person all around. George could easily have bowed out of volunteering after losing his right hand in a garden accident but instead, he has overcome the many challenges that come with a new handicap later in life, and he continues to share his time and gifts with the community. Overall, George has worked for more than 30 years with teachers and children in k-12 public schools. As a former mathematics professor and as a retired curriculum designer, year after year, he has offered teachers, students and others a wealth of knowledge and, his friendship and guidance. George Feeman is a community champion.

George volunteers his time at the Harrington and Longfellow Elementary schools Monday through Thursday during the school year. George attends the math classes with his students to get a feel for the lesson and then works one on one with students in need of additional assistance. He has been able to closely monitor student’s abilities and challenges through his focus on the classroom requirements and on the individual student’s capacity for learning. George helps out with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes and he assists students in preparing for the MEAP tests. Furthermore, George has created informal testing to evaluate student progress and aims to improve scores by 10-50% over the course of each school year.

Depending on circumstances, George adjusts his activities to meet specific needs. For example, a little boy who was new to America needed an attentive adult to guide him in his academics, his language skills, and culturally through the terrain of his new home. George committed scores of hours to helping him develop.

The teachers describe his contributions as invaluable. George has been lauded as a precious resource to new teachers who deeply appreciate his assistance. Many times, George arrives early on site to help teachers with in-services and curriculum development before connecting with the students. School social worker Theresa Frakes is positively giddy each time she speaks about George.

In addition to tutoring, every Tuesday afternoon George volunteers, alongside his wife Ruby, at Crossroads (an agency assisting individuals recently released from incarceration) in Detroit. George says, “we just help people with troubles find their way.” This seems an understatement when the social services unit at Crossroads, where George contributes his time, helps individuals identify their problems and find solutions through personal and employment counseling.

George Feeman seems super-human, tutoring and mentoring children, and providing direction to troubled adults in his community. Yet, somehow George also finds time to just watch his grandchildren play in sports and maintain his gardens at home. Volunteering is something that George simply loves. Whether tutoring mathematics, guiding a vulnerable student, or assisting to improve the lives of adults with difficulties, George always sees the sun behind the clouds and undoubtedly, his services bring others in our community into the light! He is an inspiration, a Community Champion!

SGT. DALE BARNETT

Sgt. Barnett’s service began when he enrolled in the National Guard shortly after graduating from high school. After completing his service, Sgt. Barnett joined the Payson Volunteer Fire Department, where he as served for over fifty-years, many times leaving his business to respond to fire calls. He is often called upon by the fire department for advice because of his knowledge and expertise. Sgt. Barnett is willing to help, and often volunteers to help before he is asked.

Sgt. Barnett also volunteers for the Utah County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Jeep Patrol, where he has become proficient in scuba diving, avalanche rescue, tracking, repelling, lake rescue and retrieving lost victims to fulfill his duties as a rescuer. Over the forty-years he has served, Sgt. Barnett has become known for his ability to act quickly and wisely under pressure. He also volunteers at the Peteetneet Academy of Arts & Museum, giving of his time and expertise to help restore the 103-year old building.

Sgt. Barnett’s life has been spent in service. In addition to the services listed above, he has also served as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, where he helped to install a new water line in Payson. As a Boy Scout leader, he has encouraged many young men to excel in life.

WILLIE FRANCIS CHAMPION SMITH

Willie Francis Champion Smith is a Senior Volunteer at Gause School. She reads with children and sometimes gives one on one assistance. She volunteers in the Gause Community as a friendly visitor to the elderly and ill as well as to newcomers. She also is the President of Texas Extension Education Association of Milam County. She is the member of Gause Community Improvement Program for the betterment of the Gause Community to ensure the safety for the residents.

Willie Francis is currently the President of the Gause Achievers EEA working with all races and creeds. She is also an active member of the EMMAUS-WALK108 Society. She instituted the Gause C.I.P. Hero, which is celebrated at Founder’s Day each year where a Hero is honored. This year at the C.I.P. Christmas Dinner, it was highlighted with the festival of the Christmas Tree with names of veterans and servicemen being placed on the tree by family and friends.

Willie Francis is a Member of Stephen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the President of the Missionary Society, in which they visit the nursing homes twice a month. She is also a member of the Music Ministry of the Church to inspire more people to celebrate in song. She also teaches Gause Community Bible Study each Wednesday at the Community Center with ten or more in attendance each week. At present the study book is “The Purpose Driven Life.”

As a volunteer, she has shown that cares for the residents of the community. Willie Francis is always looking for more ways to help enhance the environment where residents live. She is one who motivates people to become active in the community because it always feels good to help someone in need. As one can see, Willie Francis Champion Smith is very involved in her community, so therefore she has provided an encouraging contribution to the betterment of our society. She is an inspiration for all.