Woman stands out for her volunteer efforts
When Sherry Harden took over as president of the Phi Beta Lambda Chapter at Laurel Business Institute, she wanted to maintain its high standard of community service. But Harden instead took the standard to another level. During her tenure, the chapter:
– Collected 250 pounds of various items for the troops stationed in Iraq.
– Collected and distributed mittens, scarves and small gift bags through the Salvation Army to 12 children in the community.
– Collected 12 fleece blankets made by PLB members, which were placed with residents in two local nursing homes.
– Assembled and donated holiday gift bags, which were donated to Uniontown Hospital for children who needed emergency care during the holidays.
– Collected and donated stuffed animals to the Healing Hoops Society that provides help for children facing a crisis.
“Sherry sets her goals high and achieves them with total confidence and professionalism,’ said Jo Anna Meese, assistant network advisor for Phi Beta Lambda. “Her community service did not stop with the individuals outside of LBI. She planned and carried out the holiday parties at the school so that the students were aware of how much Phi Beta Lambda appreciated their support.’
For all her volunteer work, Harden has been selected to receive a Fayette County Community Service All-Star Award. She is among 10 local students being honored for putting forth an extra effort to make a difference in their communities. The students come from Fayette County’s seven high schools as well as the West Virginia Career Institute, the Laurel Business Institute and Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
The students were nominated on the basis of their grade-point average and community service.
The students will receive a $500 check to help them with their college costs. The students will be honored today at a breakfast at the 30 East Main restaurant in Uniontown.
Members of the organizing committee for the event – Jes Hutson, John Evans, Bob Garrett, Leda Gismondi, Alyssa Trynock, Dave Meredith and Melanie Thomas – will select a captain, who will receive an extra $100.
Alyssa Trynock of Big Brothers/Big Sisters will be the master of ceremonies. Uniontown banker Ben Wright will be the guest speaker.
Sponsors for the program include the Herald-Standard, Jes Hutson, Dave and Linda Meredith, Shelly and Paul Songer, Community Foundation of Fayette County, National City Bank Foundation, Joe Hardy, Cherokee Fur and Recycling, Jimmy and Libby Gismondi, John Gismondi and Associates, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 520, Jim Gismondi, Russ Blaho, Harry Brownfield, Dan Evans, John Evans, Elouise Eberly, First National Bank, Hartsek Catering, Leda Gismondi, Bill Hutson, Kisiel and Rudnik, PC, Laurel Business Institute, Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, Alumni Society, Ford Business Machines, Phil Michael, Debbie Seeger, Ron Sheba, Dicey Simon Basketball Officials, Slavik’s, George Smalley Co., Fayette Holdings Limited, Larry George, Bev Hurley, Joseph Nepa, Sepic Orthopedics, Joe Price, Alyssa Trynock, Upper Room, George Von Benko, Doug Wood and the Chestnut Ridge Rotary Club.
Majoring in small business management and information technology, Harden has a 3.7 grade-point average.
Harden said everyone works together at LBI to help the community.
“Anything we do for the community, our school (LBI) gives their total support and encouragement for us to succeed,’ said Harden. “Everyone pitches in to donate whatever we need for our projects.
“As I graduate and move on to raising my girls and building my career, I will continue to give back to not only my community but to the people who so graciously believed in me to get me to this point in my life. I have been truly motivated and my life and goals enhanced by participating in such a wonderful community service project,’ she added.