Junior Auxiliary of Columbus has been recognized across the Southern region as a leader in community service.
Thirty-two members of the Lowndes County chapter attended the recent National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Annual Education Conference in Memphis, Tenn. During the conference, the chapter received five awards:
- Award of Excellence — Presented by the NAJA president, this annual award is given to the chapter deemed excellent in all areas of Junior Auxiliary work.
- Norma DeLong Education Award for “In My Shoes” — Presented by the NAJA Education Committee, this award is given to recognize an outstanding chapter education project.
- Efficiency Award — Presented by the executive director of NAJA, this award is given to chapters in recognition of administrative excellence.
- Betty Robbins Scholarship Fund — JA of Columbus received Platinum recognition for its donation to the fund.
- 100 Percent Membership Award from the NAJA Foundation — Presented to chapters for total participation of chapter members in the NAJA Foundation.
Inaugural Health Summit
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus was also featured at the first Mississippi Health Summit in Hattiesburg this spring. Cited as one of few community leaders on obesity prevention for children, the chapter was asked to present its Fit and Fabulous Forever project at the summit as a model of successful implementation of an obesity prevention education program.
This new project targets fourth-grade students and promotes healthy physical and nutritional habits, educating participants through a series of engaging activities presented in a day-fair format.
Junior Auxiliary of Mississippi was honored as an “Inspired Leader in Mississippi” by Dr. Rick DeShazo, professor of medicine at University of Mississippi Medical Center and the host of Mississippi Public Broadcasting”s “Southern Remedy” show.
The Columbus chapter is currently working with DeShazo, MPB, and the Viking Corporation to promote obesity education and prevention in Mississippi.
For more information about Junior Auxiliary of Columbus or the Fit and Fabulous Forever project, contact Karen Stanley at 662-549-0264.
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