The Jackson County Retired Educators’ Association won many awards at the annual convention for the Oklahoma Retired Educators’ Association on May 16. The convention was held at Edmond on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma.

The VIM (Very Important Member) Award was the highlight of the meeting. This honor is given to one retiree per county for time and diligence to the local unit. Grace Dempsey of Altus was chosen for the award by members of the Jackson County Retired Educators’ Association. The award included a contribution to the Andrus Foundation. She was recognized during a PowerPoint ceremony at the convention. A booklet of all the county winners summarized all county winners for their leadership to education, communities, their families, and the Retired Educators organization.

Another outstanding volunteer award was given to Lucie Williams of Altus. She was presented a watch and certificate for placing third place as the “Outstanding Volunteer” award. The face of the watch had a motif of the Retired Education Association. She had served many volunteer hours in the local organization as well as in the community.

Jackson County won honorable mention for “Outstanding Project” for their Pioneer Educator and Centennial Educator honors bestowed locally. A certificate was presented and accepted by President Ida Fay Winters.

The keynote speaker was Rhonda Mikles from Elk City. She is president of Mikles’ Marketing and Management. Her motivating speech included ways to better communicate with family and friends.

The convention had about 500 retirees in attendance. Committee reports and a business meeting were also part of the agenda.

The Jackson County Retired Educators Association is part of a state-wide organization representing the 43,000 retired Oklahoma educators and other school personnel under Oklahoma Teacher Retirement. The next local monthly meeting will be on Wednesday, September 17, at 11:30 a.m. in the Tamarack Assisted Living Center in Altus. For more information about this organization, call the Membership Chair Lucie Williams, 482-5156.