Lewis Gale Medical Center personnel, from left to right, Lance Jones, Market President, LewisGale Regional Health System; Lea Margaret Lee, Chief Nursing Officer; Stacey O’Neal, RN; COVID-19 Unit; Alyssa Spradlin; RN; Emergency Department; Shane Butler, RN; COVID-19 Unit; Kimsa Tran, RN; COVID-19 Unit; Pat Whisman, RN; Nursing Director of COVID-19 unit.
On May 20, the Salem Rotary Club presented the Citizen of the Year Award to nurses from Carilion Clinic, Lewis Gale Medical Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center in Salem at the Salem Civic Center. The nurses were recognized for their heroic dedication to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Representatives from each of the medical centers spoke and accepted the plaques presented by Rotary Event Committee Chair Rob Cassell. The inscription on their plaques reads: “Presented annually in recognition of distinguished service to our community for steadfast dedication to the high calling of good citizenship and faithful devotion to those ideas which have made America strong and free.”
Sixty-three years ago, the Rotary Club of Salem began its recognition of outstanding citizens. Since this time, there have been 57 recipients to receive this honor. The individuals have been outstanding citizens representing many different professions: elected and appointed public officials, educators, homemakers, attorneys, doctors, business executives, editors, writers and others. A plaque bearing their names hangs in the corridor at the Salem Civic Center for all to see.
In 2006, the Citizen of the Year Award was permanently named in honor of a past honoree and member of the Salem Rotary Club – Roy W. Hendrickson. He exemplified the qualities of all the honorees. Roy Hendrickson had perfect attendance at club meetings which was a remarkable achievement.
- Submitted by Rob Cassell, Rotary Event Committee Chair