Oct. 19, 2007

VCU AmeriCorps member recognized for exemplary service

Governor’s Commission for Community and National Service honors Cheryl Jennings

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By Mike Porter

“A Perfect 10! VCU AmeriCorps worker Cheryl Jennings (right) was described as a “10” on a scale of one to10 by staffers at the Richmond elementary school where she supports children. The Governor’s Commission for Community and National Service recognized Jennings with the 2007 Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service. VCU AmeriCorps/America Reads Director Franklin Wallace (left) presented Jennings with the award. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU News Services."
“A Perfect 10! VCU AmeriCorps worker Cheryl Jennings (right) was described as a “10” on a scale of one to10 by staffers at the Richmond elementary school where she supports children. The Governor’s Commission for Community and National Service recognized Jennings with the 2007 Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service. VCU AmeriCorps/America Reads Director Franklin Wallace (left) presented Jennings with the award. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU News Services."

Cheryl Jennings is a busy woman. The single mother of three works full-time as she pursues a bachelor’s degree from the VCU School of Social Work. Her hectic schedule is not for the fainthearted.

Even so, Jennings has found time to help others. During 2006-07, her first year as a full- time member of the VCU AmeriCorps program, Jennings dedicated 1,700 hours to serving others. The Governor’s Commission on Community and National Service recognized Jennings for her dedication to community service with the 2007 Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service.

This is the first year for the award, established in memory of Wone, who served on the Governor’s Commission on Community and National Service from 2002-2006 and dedicated his life volunteering for charitable organizations and offering pro bono legal service.

Jennings fought back tears as she accepted her award.

“Those who know me will be surprised that I am at a loss for words.  But I’m truly honored to be the first recipient of this award,” Jennings said.

VCU AmeriCorps/America Reads Director Franklin Wallace said Jennings was selected as the group’s “Team Leader of the Year” last year and is widely recognized as an asset by staff at the Richmond elementary school where she provided program guidance and leadership.

“One of the staff members at that school said that on a scale of one-to-ten, Mrs. Jennings was a ten,” Wallace said as the crowd of AmeriCorps members from Central and Eastern Virginia burst into applause.

Returning members met at VCU for the 2007-08 Virginia AmeriCorps Launch.

AmeriCorps is a network of service programs connecting more than 70,000 Americans each year to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment.  In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members earn an education award of up to $4,725 that can be used to pay for college or to pay back qualified student loans.
Since 1994, more than 4,700 Virginian residents have qualified for AmeriCorps education awards totaling more than $17,200,000. 

VCU’s AmeriCorps program is the oldest and largest in Virginia. It operates through the Division of Community Engagement.