By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Advance Managing Editor
The Atmore Rotary Club named Shirley West, director of Turtle Point Science Center, as this year's recipient of the Service Above Self Award at last week's Academic All-Star banquet.
West, who was asked to attend the meeting to speak about the science center, said she was shocked when they gave her the award.
Rotary Club member Ulay Wise said West was a perfect candidate for the award.
West, along with her husband, Dr. Gene West, has been a resident of Atmore for 25 years. She has taught within the public school system and played a major role in bringing science and students together through the opening of the Turtle Point Science Center.
West said she considers her job with the center to be one of the crowning achievements of her teaching career.
While she appreciates the award, West said her biggest reward is bringing science to life for students across the county.
She also feels that Turtle Point has shown what can happen when all facets of a community come together.
She said receiving the award from the Rotary Club made the Service Above Self' even more meaningful.
Each year, the Rotary Club reviews candidates who may be deserving of the award. If no clear candidate is found, the club does not present it.