HATTIESBURG, MS – [3/27/25] – The Foster Grandparent Program of SMPDD is proud to announce that longtime volunteer Leola Washington will be honored with the prestigious Marsha Meeks Kelly Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service at the 2025 GIVE Awards. The ceremony will take place at the Two Mississippi Museums’ Craig H. Nielsen Auditorium in Jackson, MS on April 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
The GIVE Awards, the Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence, celebrate Mississippi’s most dedicated citizens, recognizing those who have made a lasting impact through volunteerism. This year, First Lady Elee Reeves will present the awards, further highlighting the significance of this honor.
Ms. Washington’s unwavering commitment to service is a shining example of dedication and selflessness.
Ms. Washington was one of the first two volunteers to join the Foster Grandparent Program in 2004, and she has remained in the program for the past 21 years. Even more impressively, she has served in the same headstart school and the same classroom throughout her entire tenure. At 95 years old this May, Ms. Washington continues to devote over 30 hours a week to supporting and mentoring students, providing them with the care and guidance they need to succeed.
“Leola Washington’s commitment to serving others is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Celeste Brown, Project Manager. “Her unwavering dedication to children and education is an inspiration to us all. We are thrilled to see her recognized with this well-deserved award.”
Volunteer Mississippi will host the event. Maranda Joiner, author, speaker, and founder/CEO of Succeed & Elevate, who will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The 2025 GIVE Award recipients represent the best of Mississippi’s volunteer spirit, and Ms. Washington’s remarkable contributions exemplify a lifetime of service and dedication.
The Marsha Meeks Kelly Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service honors an individual with a history of volunteering of 15 years or more in the state of Mississippi. This prestigious award honors those who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving their communities through sustained volunteer efforts.
For more information about the GIVE Awards, please visit www.volunteermississippi.org. To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program and how to get involved, contact Celeste Brown at cbrown@smpdd.com or 601-545-2137.
About The GIVE Awards
The GIVE Awards, the Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence, recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities in Mississippi. These awards celebrate the power of volunteerism and the positive impact it has on society.
About The Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program is a federally funded, nationwide program that provides opportunities for older adults to mentor and support children in schools and other community based programs. Volunteers provide guidance, encouragement, and educational support, making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
