Golden Achievers celebrates service of 8 elder Arkansans

A small group of family and friends turned out to see eight Arkansans age 80 and over honored for their service to others during the Golden Achievers Celebration, a ceremony held July 30 in the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol.

On hand to receive their propers were Lula Mae Glenn, matriarch of a family of 14 children; Berthena Clark Walker, a retired elementary school teacher; the Rev. John Henry Anderson, a Baptist minister; Ledell Ewing, an Air Force veteran; and Willie Marie Thomas, a retired teacher and church pianist. Honored in absentia were Bernice Ewing, a retired state employee, missionary and wife of Ledell Ewing; retired educator Artha Minton; and Charles Griffith Sr., a retired basketball coach.

"We consider these people our heroes and she-roes," Carolyn Cooley, project coordinator, said during her opening remarks about the eight, whose biographies were later read from the event's souvenir program book during their introductions. Cooley and her committee members -- Chandra Martin, Angela Griffith-Newkirk and Susie Clary -- presented each honoree with a certificate and gift bag. The group also was read a special birthday greeting from President Barack and first lady Michelle Obama.

Other program highlights included a poem recitation from Anthony Newkirk, grandson of Charles Griffith; brief remarks by Richard Maxwell, a representative of the office of U.S. Rep. French Hill and entertainment by Apostle Preston Smith and Band, along with a vocal ensemble. Smith serenaded the honorees at program's end with the song "It's Your Time."

High Profile on 08/07/2016