ANDERSON, Ind. —
Between congratulatory hugs and handshakes the dozens of well-wishers gushed over Bobbette Snyder.
“If anyone should have won it was her.” “What a deserving woman.” “I knew it was going to be you.”
But the 2011 Athena Award recipient remained in shock over the whole thing.
“This is such a humbling experience,” Snyder said. “I just thought they had skipped over my name. But my daughter poked me and said, ‘I think you’re it.’”
Just being nominated was an amazing experience for Snyder, she said, pointing out that the group of women she was amongst was a pretty amazing one. She has been nominated several other times.
“I think this award represents everyone in the community,” Snyder said. “I think the award is more about the people behind it. I didn’t do this alone. Everyone supports you and your efforts.”
Snyder is the executive director of the Leadership Academy of Madison County but her dedication to the community doesn’t end there, said Mary Jamerson, president of Myers Autoworld that, along with The Herald Bulletin, is the community supporter for the Madison County Athena Award and Community Shining Stars awards.
She said Snyder leads by example with her community efforts.
Snyder’s tireless efforts with The Festival of Trees — which she began in 1989 — weren’t even forgotten during the afterglow of her Athena victory.
“You’re coming to the festival Saturday, right?” she asked those coming to congratulate her. “I’ve got a tree there!”
Fellow nominee Pam Shoot — director of the Youth Leadership Academy of Madison County — said she was honored to be among the group of nominated women. She, like the other 14 nominees beyond Snyder, were named Community Shining Stars.
“Bobbette is very deserving,” Shoot said. “She has worked tirelessly for this community making it a better place in so many areas. I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.”
Shoot said one of the amazing things about the group of nominees was their far-reaching impact on the community. The group of 16 women represent a number of fields across the community including education, business, social services and health care.
“We are all, in our own way, trying to make Madison County a better place for people to live,” she said. “This is a wonderful way to honor all of these women for those contributions.”
Jamerson said the effect that the 16 nominees have on the community was clear and strong. She described the women as “quiet servants” who make the community what it is today.
“You humble us with your game-changing spirit” to empower the community, Jamerson said. “Thank you for your passion.”
Contact Abbey Doyle: 640-4805, abbey.doyle@heraldbulletin.com
Local Business
Related Photos
-
Shining Star recipient Lisa Floyd, left, congratulates Athena recipient Bobbette Snyder during a dinner at the Anderson Country Club on Tuesday. Don Knight
Discussion
November 15, 2011
Bobbette Snyder shocked by Athena award
- Local Business
-
-
Court lets $100,000 in Democrats' fines stand
House Democrats who had to pay more than $100,000 in fines after they walked out of the Indiana Statehouse two years ago won’t get the help they sought from the Indiana Supreme Court.
- Mayor asks council to reconsider annexation Anderson's mayor said he plans to resurrect the so-called southwest annexation that was part of the city expansion plan rejected by the City Council this past winter.
- June 27 fundraiser to help save Athletic Pool Onward Alliance and UAW locals 662, 663 and 1963 will be holding a lunch fundraiser to save the Athletic Pool.
-
Ingalls Town Council approves Love's truck stop
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is coming to town.
-
Doggone good
ANDERSON - It all started with a little abandoned dog, lost on the day of a massive snowstorm in January 2009. It was a day that left 12 inches of snow on the ground.
-
Record-fundraising effort headlines Children's Clinic Classic
The team of Fox 59 chief meteorologist Brian Wilkes, along with Dave Redlin, Tommy Niemier, Johnny Kirkwood and Steve Hart, may have taken the first-place title at the 29th annual Children’s Clinic Classic at Anderson Country Club Tuesday, but the kids helped by the clinic were the real winners this year.
-
Emmett Dulaney: We are the Potters
When I was an undergraduate student, I took a film appreciation course for easy credits. One of the films we had to watch was "It’s a Wonderful Life" and I will never forget what I did when that class session was over.
-
Joint effort
A few months ago, Gary Coon couldn’t walk.
The arthritis in his ankles was debilitating — keeping him from his favorite hobbies, such as fishing or golf.
- Charo Boyd: Many older people continue to rock on past retirement age Generations ago, retirement was thought of as a time to take it easy — a time of rocking on porch chairs and reminiscing about the good old days. But that’s not the case with the current generation of retirees.
-
Summer a time for fun, but safety
School's out, the days are longer and the weather is warmer. It's a perfect time for the children to head outside and play.
- More Local Business Headlines
-
Court lets $100,000 in Democrats' fines stand
