The 43^rd Annual Foster Grandparent Program Recognition Banquet recognized eight volunteers from Franklin County Dec. 7 among all the volunteer grandparents who serve across the program’s five county region.

Franklin foster grandparent award recipients were honored with the Inspiration Award, Fundraiser Award and Rose Awards.

More than 20 awards were given out to volunteers across Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties.

Program director Jessica Latham said some of the awards, like the Rose Awards, are determined by letters of recommendation written by the school teachers whose classrooms the volunteers visit.

“The volunteers really help the children, and these eight serve Franklin County well. That’s why the teachers chose them,” Latham said.

Judy Martin received the Fundraiser Award; she volunteers at Hackleburg Elementary School.

The six volunteer Rose Awards went to Bernice Bolton with Russellville Elementary School, Martha Taylor with Vina, Lennis Reams with Vina, Mary Ann Williams with Belgreen, Margaret McGuire with Red Bay and Hattie Freeman with West Elementary School.

Alisyn Hayes nominated Annie B. West for the Inspiration Award. West volunteers at the SPAN Program in Franklin County, where Hayes teaches.

“Mrs. Annie B. West is a woman that includes all things beautiful; a beautiful smile, heart, presence and a love for her students. She represents her title of foster grandmother with diligence, motivation and compassion,” Hayes said.

Other Rose Award winners were Glenda Warren, Cornell Goodwin, Regina Eastland, Kausanna Nunery, Alphasean Gunn, Brenda Goodloe, Joyce Collum, Olivia Simmons, JoAnn Dillard, Alicia Young, Delois Downton, Mildred Hipps and Charles Devaney.

Constance Hooks, with Touch of Love Daycare, received the Most Service Hours Award. Patricia Whitson with Sheffield Head Start received the Rookie of the Year Award. Volunteer of the Year was Corrine White with Brooks Elementary School.

“These volunteers make a difference in more ways than one,” Latham said. “They form a bond with these children, and through that bond comes great achievement.”