“Everyday heroes part of collegeâs salute” |
| Everyday heroes part of collegeâs salute Posted: 27 Feb 2011 09:48 AM PST By Jacqueline Hough WELDON — A hero can come in many forms — a female firefighter, a nurse or caregiver. College President Dr. Ervin Griffin Sr. said the people celebrated have charted new courses and burnt new paths through the wilderness of fear and prejudice so others could follow in relative comfort. "For us, each of these persons has, indeed, achieved greatness," he said. "That is why we at Halifax Community College honor them as our own African-American Heroes." Community heroes honored were: • Lola Ausby, volunteer fire fighter for the Garysburg Fire Department and joint use administrator for Dominion Power. • Gregory Lewis Browning, district manager of the Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Ahoskie and Wilson Social Security Administration. • the Rev. Ralph P. Dailey, founder, operator and executive director of Weldon Day Care Center. • Dorothy Highsmith, board member of Hobgood Citizen Group. • Dorothy Joyner, licensed practical nurse for the Roanoke Valley Adult Day Care. • the Rev. Jeremiah Webb, committee chairman and executive board member of Neuse River Missionary Baptist Association. Student heroes honored were Kiara Lee, pre-nursing/nursing student and co-chair of the Women of Excellence at the college; and China Wade, pre-licensed practical nursing student and president of Student Government Association. Nominated by Kevin Kupietz, Ausby was noted for being one of the area's first female fire fighters and as one of the founding members of the Garysburg Volunteer Fire Department. "Lola can readily be found at fire scenes in her gear working diligently, often helping people she has never met before," Kupietz said. "She may be shivering from the cold, covered with soot from the fire, physically exhausted from the hours of hard work, but the one thing that is always a constant, is her smile. Under the worst of conditions, Lola always has a warm smile for everyone." Ausby, who is also town of Garysburg town commissioner and a member of Roanoke Salem Missionary Baptist Church, said she thanked God for giving her the desire to do what she does. Browning was nominated by Jennifer Mason, who noted he was the first black district manager of Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Ahoskie and Wilson Social Security Administration. Since arriving in the Roanoke Valley, he has mentored local youth through various organizations and activities. Browning was unable to attend so his wife, Mae, received his award. Dailey made history when he opened the first child care center in Weldon. Nominated by his daughter, Kim, he is one of the founders of Youth Empowered to Survive. It has the mission to "take youth back from the streets and then to keep them off the streets." "I thank God for giving me the ability to work with children and elders," he said. "I thanked the parents for giving me the opportunity to work with their children." As a longtime member of the Hobgood Citizen Group, Highsmith has been instrumental in the organization having a food bank for the community, health clinic, senior citizens club, exercise class, activity day, Headstart program and afterschool and summer food programs. Her cousin, Dorothy Davis, said the group deeply appreciates the work of the oldest board member in the management of the center. "I really don't think I have done all he (Griffin) read," Highsmith said. "I have always enjoyed working older people who live alone." Gwen Kearney noted her co-worker Joyner has a "servant's heart." "She has committed countless hours, day and night of her time to help those in need in various locations throughout Halifax and Northampton counties," Kearney said. Through her Outreach Ministry, she provides meals to the elderly during the holiday season, operating a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week pantry or sponsoring bi-yearly clothing drives. "I don't feel like a hero," Joyner said when accepting the award. My task is many. I don't get tired because I love it. I try to help those in need." Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham said Webb has been a mentor for her over the past several years. "During the 81-year-old years of his lifetime, the Rev. Webb has lived to witness many, many changes in our country," Meacham wrote in her nomination. "With pride, dedication and distinction, he has faithfully served the citizens of Weldon and surrounding communities by his active participation in church and civic affairs. As Webb spoke, he said there was nothing he needed to say because it was all there in paper. "I came here 62 years ago with my oldest daughter to see a movie," he said. "We didn't go back that night. We've been here ever since." Student hero Lee was nominated by Tonya Mason, who said she is the most committed person that she has come in contact with at the college. "I say this because she works so hard when it comes to doing anything anyone asks her to do here at school," Mason said. Lee thanked both her grandmothers, who attended the event. "Without them, I wouldn't be able to do anything," Lee said. Wade was nominated by Dr. Carolyn Stuart, who noted that she is the type of person to see a project through from start to finish. Wade gave a special thanks to her mother. "Without her, I would be loss," she said. "She does so much. I just wanted to say thank you." 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