Teresa Sizemore, a Salem School Board member, was honored with this year’s Charles Brown Award for her commitment to the city’s schools and youth.
Named after Charles Brown, Roanoke College’s first dean and a former mayor of Salem, the award recognizes city residents who have made significant professional and civic contributions to the community’s quality of life.
It is presented annually during the Salem Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by Roanoke College, which celebrates the many collaborations between the college and the city.
“I’m very grateful to Roanoke College for giving us the opportunity to celebrate citizens within this city that have contributed so much of themselves to make the quality of life awesome in Salem,” said Mayor Renée Turk ’77.
“Our partnership together will continue to contribute to the excellent quality of life for all of those in Salem.”
Sizemore was nominated for this year’s award in recognition of her decades of advocacy for Salem’s children. She was an active PTA volunteer for about 20 years and served as president of the South Salem Elementary School PTA before being appointed to the school board in 2021.
During her tenure as PTA president, she spearheaded a partnership with Bethel Baptist Church to create the Back to School Bash, an event now in its seventh year that provides school supplies, shoes and haircuts to the community’s children.
On the school board, she’s been an advocate for growing Salem’s career and technical education program and championed all pathways for student success. She also serves with the Salem Education Foundation, which each year awards approximately 120 scholarships.
In nominating her for the Charles Brown Award, a community member described Sizemore as the embodiment of a servant-leader who shows up for others and for her community.
“Teresa, when I read your nomination, I was truly inspired,” President Frank Shushok Jr. said. “I thank you for being the kind of human being that pushes good forward in the world. Thank you for serving first the people around you. It makes a difference.”
Sizemore, in accepting the award, said she always felt called to service and encouraged others to mentor and uplift children in their communities.
“I knew that if I ever got to a place where I could give back, that would always be the main goal,” she said. “So, on days when you’re tired or you just don’t have enough time or resources, just remember: That thing you show up for could make a difference in someone else’s life.”
-The Salem Times-Register
