Mississippi's Oak Forest Elementary Principal Lorenda Cheeks was honored in Atlanta over the weekend and named the 2010 Grand Champion of The General Mills Feeding Dreams Awards Program. General Mills created Feeding Dreams in recognition of everyday people who positively impact their communities. Cheeks was one of nine Community Champions from throughout the U.S. in the running for the title of Grand Champion. Susan L. Taylor of Essence Magazine hosted the event held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the church of the late Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. The national award includes $10,000 to support her local cause–the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. In August, Mississippi's Jackson Free Press reported that Cheeks was named a Community Champion by General Mills' Feeding Dreams program. Representatives from General Mills' headquarters and members of the Jackson community attended the event to recognize Cheeks' dedication to improving the lives of young people in the city of Jackson. Around Jackson Public Schools, Cheeks is known as a dedicated educational leader, but she has made another name for herself throughout the Jackson area - "Miss Girl Scout Lady." She earned the title through her work with members of the five Girl Scout troops she serves. Her most recent effort, "It's Hip to Be Fit," emphasizes healthy eating and exercise. She also involves troops in community service projects and activities like canoeing, archery, and etiquette training.
Kudos to Lorenda Cheeks and her excellent work! Are there outstanding women in your area that should be rewarded for their community involvement?