Six Botetourt residents were presented with a Hero Award in December through a project sponsored by the GFWC Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club called Botetourt Cares. These Botetourt citizens were nominated as persons who play a vital role in Botetourt County and who make a difference in their community. The awards included a letter of recognition, a $100 cash award, and a gift bag. The Daleville branch of First Bank supported this project.
Deborah Wiley, the coordinator for this project, made contact with many public service agencies as well as The Fincastle Herald and social media to spread the word about this project. The recipients for this award were selected from outstanding nominations from people throughout Botetourt County. Those selected were based on the following criteria: public service, leadership in church, school and community activities, volunteer efforts in their communities, and the impact of their service throughout Botetourt County.
Brittany Turman’s dedication to Breckinridge Elementary, to the Fincastle youth sports program, and to serving as an election poll worker for Botetourt County was highlighted in the letter that was received from her nominator. The person that nominated her had this to say: Brittany…. “is an ever growing presence” in Botetourt County “ensuring the community’s safety, growth, and success.
Kip and Lyn Burton’s dedication to serving their church, Historic Fincastle Inc., the Virginia Lewis & Clark Legacy Trail, Saving Greenfield committee, and lighting Fincastle at Christmas were a few highlights sent in from their nominator. Kip’s service to his country and his impressive resumé in the Navy were also stressed. The person that nominated this couple had this to say: They are “devoted citizens of not only Botetourt but our country.”
Elizabeth Provost’s dedication as an elementary school educator, to the Botetourt Relay for Life, to the Buchanan Rescue Squad, and to the Buchanan Presbyterian Food Pantry were highlighted in the letter that was received from her nominator. The nominator had this to say: “…she inspires me by all she has done for the community.”
Kim Wyrick’s service to the community as a Botetourt County deputy while dealing with life’s challenges was highlighted in a letter that was received from her nominator. Herr work as a Resource Officer and the DARE Program has been vital to keeping the children in Botetourt County drug free and safe. It was also emphasized how important her work has been with her church and its youth programs and activities. The person who nominated her had this to say: “Kim is selfless in so many ways and is more than deserving of this community acknowledgment. Her spirit and faith inspires all of those around her.”
Martha Rodgers’ dedication to serving her church and the Botetourt Food Pantry were highlighted in a letter received from her nominators. It was also stressed that she raised three children, two of whom were adopted from foreign countries, and that she was involved in their school activities over the years. She also served this country while she was in the Navy.
Yvonne Frazier’s dedication to serving her church as well as her family and friends and giving unselfishly of her time while struggling through several of life’s challenges was highlighted by her nominator. Her work with the Circle of Mary, Ryan’s Cases for Smiles and all the projects and roles through the GFWC Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club were also emphasized. The person that nominated her had this to say:
“Yvonne has been an inspiration to me ever since I met her. Her kindness, generosity, and courage are unmatched.”
Mrs. Wiley said, “It was so touching to see the surprise on the faces of those who received these awards. Each and everyone showed such humility to be recognized. Botetourt County is so proud of all the contributions they make each and every day to make this a great place to live. The Women’s Club is proud to give them a ‘shout-out’ for all they do!”