WINTERBORO, Ala. – The Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement took time to honor three people who have played a major role in the SAFE story on Wednesday morning at the new Winterboro High School and Sycamore Elementary School.
SAFE board member Jesse Cleveland began the day by honoring a now-former board member, Denise Sinclair, who has just retired from the board of directors.
“She has many years on the board. I praise her for the time she put in and want to thank her for her time at SAFE,” said Cleveland.
I want to thank everybody at SAFE, and everyone in the community,” said Sinclair. “I’ve been in it since the beginning, and it amazes me how much SAFE has grown.”
SAFE also honored Jerry Brown, a man who ignited change in the city’s public transportation since it was inherited by SAFE many years ago, that is now retiring.
“I cannot begin to tell you what this gentleman has done to advance Sylacauga’s public transportation,” Margaret Morton said. Morton is the Exec. Dir. for SAFE. “We celebrate your retirement and we are going to miss you.”
Lastly, SAFE honored the late Sheri Smith who passed away in December. Smith dedicated her entire career to education with 28 years teaching elementary school. After retirement, Smith continued to work with SAFE and its Bridges after school program serving as a teacher and administrator. Smith grew the program from 50 students to over 400 across the county.
“Today is a day of remembrance and dedication,” said Morton. “We wanted to take this opportunity to recognize an individual who has made a tremendous impact on us as a family.” Morton told the audience that each year’s annual report will now be dedicated to Smith. “This is her work,” Morton went on to say. “This is the impact she has made.”
