This past Thursday night, Sandy's friends and I pulled off a big surprise! Sandy's friend, Carol-lee Marshall, was the originator of the idea, and it grew from there. They nominated Sandy for an Honorary Service Award that is given out to several recipients at Oak Mesa's Open House. The nomination went to the PTA Board, and they all agreed that Sandy should receive an award this year. It was a major effort to get her there, but in the end she went so that she could see one of her friends, Debi Elliott, receive her award. After Debi was acknowledged, several friends were called up to the front to present an award. Sandy knew right away that she was next when she heard the names of her dear friends, and she was left sitting alone. It was a beautiful tribute, and she managed to get her thoughts together through the tears to thank the wonderful families at Oak Mesa Elementary School for their support during the past year.
Here is what was said:
Margo Antrim- Room volunteer . . . Reflections coordinator . . . Girl Scout Leader . . . Dedicated to her church . . . and committed to cancer outreach . . . Sandy Boulware lets no obstacles stand in her way of being a devoted mom and being beyond generous in what she gives to our community. While juggling a few of these roles might exhaust the average person, Sandy does it all and makes it look easy.
Sue Garcia – Sandy has always been generous with her time. She has coordinated the Reflections program for the last several years. She has also volunteered in the classroom, helping to enhance the learning of many Oak Mesa students through the years. Our class has been the grateful recipient of Sandy's time and talents this year. We are so thankful for all that she does.
Maria Brock - Sandy is a dedicated Girl Scout Leader. She was a leader for her daughter Rachel’s troop and has for the past three years been Leader to her daughter Michelle’s troop. She is so devoted to this troop that not even major surgery could keep her from last year’s Bridging Ceremony. On the way home after being discharged from the hospital, she had Jon bring her to the park, where she quietly sat off to the side just to witness this important milestone for the girls. It has been my privilege to watch and assist Sandy as she demonstrates to the girls how to honor their promises to be sisters to one another and make the world a better place.
Sheri Jackson - Sandy has actively served at her church, Glenkirk, in many ways. She has been an AWANA leader and faithful Sunday School teacher for years. She has also given her testimony related to her cancer diagnosis, both to the entire congregation and to her Wednesday morning Women's Bible Study Group. She also has donated her time and resources to the Homeless Ministry, to Glenkirk's Food Pantry and organized a Mother Daughter Tea.
Valerie Sedor - I am here to recognize you for your tremendous cancer outreach efforts. You are a true peer counselor. As we know, the day a patient is diagnosed with cancer is a day of devastation. The person returns to their community in this devastated state. That is where people like you make the personal connection. Nothing compares to hearing from a person who can say: I have been there, and I am still standing. In addition, your blog site has become a ministry unto itself. People across the country go to your site routinely, deriving much comfort from your words. Keep up this great work. I salute you.
Valerie Fee - I met Sandy 7 years ago when our daughters ended up in the same Kindergarten class here at Oak Mesa. She has always been a part of the Oak Mesa community in her willingness to volunteer when needed. Even during the difficult times, when many may take time off from volunteering Sandy continued on. She wasn’t going to let anything take her away from donating her time to serving others. She has been a blessing to so many people and that is why many of us felt she deserved an Honorary Service award. So it is with great honor that we present this Honorary Service Award to Sandy Boulware.
Thank you again ladies and to the Oak Mesa PTA for a very special evening that we will always remember.
Jon
