Franklin County honors volunteers

Franklin County awarded the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award at the May 20 Franklin County Board of Commissioners Meeting.

Recipients were Wilbert Wilkins, Cora Alston Hawkins, Robert “Bobby” Cooper and Kentrina Shannon.

Wilkins has taught exercise classes at the Louisburg Senior Center for over 20 years.

“He not only gives his time for free, but he engages the seniors in some form of exercise for an hour twice a day, three times a week,” according to comments made in support of his nomination. “Mr. Wilkins is our workout guru at the Louisburg Senior Center. He teaches forms of exercise such as cardio, use with weights, use with stretch bands, and chair exercises. He is an inspiration to all and he always treats us all with the most respect, and makes each of us feel special. He is the perfect example of an outstanding man and deserves recognition as the volunteer of the year.”

Hawkins has volunteered at Care and Share for at least 17 years. She started assisting at Care and Share while working during the summer months while working full-time as a math and science teacher in the Franklin County School System.

Since she has retired, she now assists at Care and Share several days a week. She collects canned food and toiletries from her church for distribution to Care and Share. She also donates fresh vegetables from her garden at home.

“Mrs. Hawkins is a lover of all people and takes on tasks with a loving attitude and willing heart,” according to comments made in support of her nomination. “She is truly deserving of this award.”

Cooper was appointed to a seat on the TDA Board in 2010 and served as vice chair for about eight years. He has been serving as chairman about two and a half years.

“As a commitment to community as well as their own property, Mr. Cooper has been involved with many efforts to defend the abandonment and demolition of historic structures and landscape in Louisburg and Franklin County,” according to comments made in support of his nomination. “Mr. Cooper leads the nonprofit Louisburg Historic District Inc. This organization has dedicated their efforts to the preservation of history and places.”

Most recently, Cooper has led the effort to bring the nationally recognized Wreaths Across America to the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Louisburg.

Additionally, Cooper met with officials in the towns of Franklinton and Youngsville regarding his group’s efforts to recognize veterans buried at local cemeteries.

Shannon volunteers at Royal Elementary and is a member of the PTO leadership committee. She comes every Monday to read with a kindergarten student as a part of the FCS Cares program.

As a member of the School Improvement Team, Shannon provides a parent perspective in the bi-weekly meetings.

“We are privileged to have such as energetic and enthusiastic advocate and partner, and we are immensely grateful to Mrs. Shannon for her work,” accoding to comments made in support of her nomination. “Some additional examples of Mrs. Shannon’s volunteer activities at Royal Elementary include volunteering in our Santa Shop, School Leadership Team, Parent Teacher Organization, Field Day, Franklin County Schools’ District Parent Advisory Council, and Franklin County Schools’ CARES or Community Advancing Reading in Elementary Schools.”

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