Birdie Thornton staff receive Servant's Honor awards

April 17-- Apr. 17--The Athens-Birdie Thornton Center Civitan Club honored staff members at the Birdie Thornton Center during an awards luncheon Tuesday.

Each staff member received the Servant's Heart Award in recognition of outstanding service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The award is an initiative of Civitan International, which has focused on helping those with disabilities for more than 70 years.

"These educators are the unsung heroes in our communities," according to a release about the award. "They can be found in school classrooms, service providers ... or even vocational settings where important skills are being taught."

The following individuals were recognized at the event: Kristy Allen, Jason Barrett, Sauntia Hicks, Sarah Ford, Gregory Porter, Paul Taylor, Beth Crabtree, Lorene Newton, Jacquelyn Budd, Wanda Smith and Emily Black.

Also honored at the luncheon was Charles DeBacker. DeBacker earned membership to the ABTC Civitan Club's Creed Club for reciting the Civitan Creed from memory.

DeBacker, who frequents the Birdie-Thornton Center, received a membership pin and praise for his accomplishment.

About Civitan

The ABTC Civitan Club was first chartered April 27, 1956. In its almost 63 years, the Civitan Club has sought to support a variety of causes.

The club exists to identify the needs of the local community and work to meet those needs through service projects, fundraising and awareness. Members meet 11:30 a.m. every third Tuesday at the Birdie Thornton Center.

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