The Rotary Club of Valdosta, in partnership with the Valdosta North Rotary Club and Wild Adventures Theme Park, announced in its meeting on April 9, 2014 that Betty J. Smith, Adult Education Direction for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, was the winner of the distinguished “Service Above Self Award” and $500.

Eighteen people were nominated for the award. The prestigious award was based on demonstrating and inspiring others with high ethical standards, recognizing the value of all occupations, using one’s professional skills to support others in achieving their career goals, and using one’s vocational talents to address the community’s needs.

Smith was nominated by Alvin Payton, Jr., Vice President for Adult Education at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Payton nominated Smith because of the extent to which she embodies each of the elements of the award.  She is a believer in the potential of people to achieve more as demonstrated by her encouragement not only students but also to the staff whom she supervises.  She assists GED students in pursuing higher education at the college which best helps them achieve their career goals and helps her staff grow and develop so that they may advance in their careers. She volunteers as an education committee member of National Council of Negro Women, which holds several community-oriented programs including efforts to improve the basic skills of elementary school students. Smith also serves as officer for Amvets Auxiliary, Literacy Volunteers Program, and New Life Ministries. She is an outstanding example of someone who places “Service Above Self.”

The awards process was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Valdosta’s Vocational Service Committee. The committee includes Molly Deese, Dr. Dennis Marks, Giovanni Panizzi, Emily Macheski-Preston, and Dr. Penelope Schmidt (Chair).  The Rotary Club also promotes service to the community through a number of additional avenues. For more information, contact Myrna Ballard, President for Rotary Club of Valdosta, at 229-247-8100.