Foster grandmother honored for service

Wright was presented with a certificate by WES Principal Dr. Chris James.

“She has really given her life to this school system,” James said. “We have been so lucky to have her.”

Wright spent almost all of her 20 years as a foster grandmother assisting second-grade teacher Tracy Ward, who helped arrange the presentation on Friday.

“She started here the very first year I taught,” Ward said. “I have loved having her and the kids love her, too.”

Other foster grandmothers attended the presentation as well as Jessica Latham, director of the foster grandparent program, and Rena Irons-Prince, coordinator of the program.

“The women who do this love children,” Latham said. “They really do make a difference in these kids’ lives.”

Latham said the foster grandparent program has been around for 36 years and covers the counties of Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston.

According to Latham, women who participate in this program must be 55 or older with a limited income. They work anywhere from 15 to 40 hours per week and are paid a small tax-free stipend for their services.

Wright, who was visibly moved by the presentation, is the oldest participant in the program but she doesn’t have any plans of hanging up her vest anytime soon.

“I really enjoy this program,” Wright said. “I want to work here as long as I can.”