Marble Hill woman to get award for volunteer work

Sheila Upchurch of Marble Hill, Mo., is one of 19 volunteers who will be recognized on Wednesday during Missouri Service Day festivities at the Capitol at Jefferson City, Mo.

"The honorees will receive the 2002 Lieutenant Governor's Service Awards," said Tammy Tucker, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Economic Development, which announced the awards ceremony.

Award recipients have served their communities through national service organizations such as AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA).

"They were selected on the basis of their outstanding leadership and service to their communities," said Sarah Rattermann, of the Missouri Community Service Commission. Rattermann nominated Upchurch.

This year honorees have performed a variety of activities.

"They have participated in a number of activities, from tutoring students to community beautification to youth senior mentoring," said Tucker.

Upchurch helps with story hours for preschool children and works to help older students with GED programs.

Loves children

"I love working with children," said Upchurch. "My degree is in elementary education at Southeast Missouri State University."

Upchurch is looking forward to her trip to Jefferson City to accept her award.

Service awards are bestowed annually on Missouri Service Day to promote volunteerism.

Service Day awards serve as a kickoff for a new "Faces and Places" feature in the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

The Community Spotlight features people who "deserve a moment in the spotlight."

Volunteerism features volunteers who give their time to help others.

It is often said that a volunteer is a person who believes people can make a difference and is willing to prove it.

Statistics show that more than 109 million adults volunteer every year, contributing almost 20 billion hours that are worth an estimated $225 billion.

Forty-three percent of seniors, 75 and older, volunteer. Nine of 10 people will volunteer when asked, statistics show.

American youths have the volunteer spirit too. There are 13 million teens, more than half of America's teen population, who volunteer and annually contribute $2.4 billion worth of volunteer time.

If you know of someone who deserves that "moment in the spotlight," call B. Ray Owen, (573) 335-6611, Ex. 133, or e-mail rowen@semissourian.com.