Lewiston Resident Sharon Helen Sheahan Wins National Award For Outstanding Community Service With Local Youth

 

Boise, ID, Sept. 17,  2015 – Retired educator Sharon Helen Sheahan has won the 2015 NRTA With Our Youth! Individual Excellence Award. This prestigious award recognizes Sharon’s four years of volunteer service with the Salvation Army to provide support and guidance to disadvantaged youth in Idaho.

“Sharon Helen Sheahan is a shining example of educators who work in retirement to improve the lives of children. Her volunteerism with the Retired Educators Association of Idaho is symbolic of the giving spirit of the NRTA With Our Youth! Award,” said Dara Dann, vice

president for NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community. “We thank Sharon for her steadfast passion to serve youth in Idaho who need a helping hand from a caring adult,” Dann said.

“Community service, particularly service with young people, is part of the mission of Retired Educators of Idaho.  We are extremely proud of Sharon for making such a difference in the lives of children in the Lewiston area, and know that she sets a high bar for the rest of our members,” said Connie Bunch, executive secretary of Retired Educators’ Association of Idaho.

Sharon’s work at her local Salvation Army is wide ranging. She is licensed to drive the bus that transports children each afternoon from their school to the Salvation Army. There, the children are in a safe and relaxing environment for snacks and dinner, instruction and playtime. Sharon also taps her education background to create lesson plans on basic life skills and topics the children may not be exposed to at home such as hygiene, attire and social skills.

At the Salvation Army, she has built trusting relationships with children facing severe behavior and academic challenges. Her mentorship has put these youth on the right course, and some now are attending college or becoming Salvation Army officers. Sharon dedicates some 30 hours each week to support more than 100 children, and she often contributes funds to support the local Salvation Army’s programs and children.

The recipients of NRTA’s 16th Annual With Our Youth! awards were chosen by an independent selection panel for their outstanding service to youth in the local and individual categories.