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James E. Shepard Sertoma Club P.O. Box 1304 Durham, North Carolina 27702 |
Award
Recipients Joseph William Anderson Becton is a Charter Member of the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club here in Durham, NC. From the club’s beginning in 1983, Joe led the charge to expand Sertoma’s presence throughout Central and Eastern NC. For eight (8) consecutive years the President of James E. Shepard Sertoma club earned a Gold Coat. In total, and in the 24 year existence of James E. Shepard, he has been involved in the chartering of 15 other Sertoma clubs. Beyond the Club level Joe has served as District Governor, NC State Director and International Director for the former Atlantic Region of Sertoma. James’ continually exceeds club objectives and demonstrates a willingness to go beyond our expectations to get the job done. The job of club Treasurer requires dealing with a lot of figures and details, which James handles with ease. We recently purchased software to make his job easier and he is currently providing detailed reports that are timely and accurate for the members to review. Some of the reports we never were able to generate. Our audit preparation is thorough, complete, and understandable, a result of the efforts of James and our audit committee. Our budgets are crisp and professional, a reflection of James Makes Life Worthwhile through SERvice TO MAnkind everywhere he goes. Outside of Sertoma, James stays busy with his family, career, church, and other community organizations, which he is affiliated with. James is married to Lisa S. Barnes and has two Children. Corey is a student at Georgia State University and Lyndsay is a student in the Durham Public Schools. He is also a faithful member of St. Titus Episcopal Church and participates in all church functions. He enjoys golf and woodworking in his spare time. James’ passion for Sertoma is a result of his brother Jonathan, who is hearing impaired, and has graduated from Galludet University. James graduated from North Carolina Central University with a degree in Business Administration that included a concentration in Accounting. He is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity (Alpha Kappa Chapter) achieved during his undergraduate days at NCCU and continues to remain active in the fraternity today. He is also active in the Durham public school that his daughter attends and assists his wife with her teaching responsibilities in the Durham School System. Included is the creation of bulletin boards at the school, the installation of Dry-Erase boards in her classroom, and the assembly of a learning center at the school. He is employed by the State Employees’ Credit Union and currently is the Vice It is with a lot of pleasure that the James E Shepard Sertoma Club selects James A. While working as a bus driver for Durham Public Schools during his undergraduate years at NCCU, the students inspired Elton to change his major from Business to Elementary Education. He has served thirty-three years with the Durham public Schools in various positions. He was a 6th grade teacher at Little River Elementary School for seven years; he worked in central office as a curriculum specialist; and he has served as an assistant principal at Little River Elementary School, Holton Middle School, and Riverside High School. Elton is currently the principal at Lakeview Alternative School and has served in this capacity since 2000. Lakeview School encompasses 5 components: Lakeview on Bacon Street, New Day, Broad Street Youth Detention Home, New Horizon, and Lakeview Alternative School on Dearborn Drive. Lakeview serves the most challenging and misunderstood population that is enrolled in the Durham Public Schools. It is through dedicated efforts of the staff that these students’ needs are met. Under Elton’s capable leadership, Lakeview School empowers students to develop skills necessary for re-entry into a traditional school setting, maximize academic potential and continue lifelong learning. What is most impressive and refreshing about Elton is that he enjoys his work and finds the interaction with the students to be especially rewarding. In the words of the songwriter, Elton Martin O’Neal might say, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired.” There is no question that Elton is well suited for his calling as an educator and administrator. He is highly respected by colleagues, students, families, and the community at large. A man of character and principle best describe his strong work ethic. His engaging personality and genuine interest in the students is realized by the students’ frequent positive interaction with him. Elton is a life-long member of Morehead Avenue Baptist Church in Durham. He is a deacon and the superintendent of the Sunday school. Elton is married to the former Myrtle Torain and they are the proud parents of two daughters; Kendra O’Neal Williams (Greg) and Kellie O’Neal. His favorite past-time is spending time with his two year old grandson, Joel, who he affectionately calls “Puddah Wuddah.” Elton is a man of faith and this is exemplified in his favorite saying, “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.”
The Shepard Club has come to recognize the dedication and commitment she exhibited in the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY toward guiding the Educational bill through the senate to become law. Jeanne, a Senator and the majority whip, accomplished this during the 2005 Biennial session. This bill provided additional educational opportunities for untold millions of children of this generation and the generations to come. Governor Mike Easley took a moment out of his prepared text during her memorial service to relate how Senator Lucas had visited with him at the Governor’s to express a sense of urgency that he should place a greater priority on his education budget because it would not serve the needs of the have-nots. After, she had finished, he accepted her proposition and re-ordered the education budget bill. Easley never revealed to the audience that she had finessed him in taking such action. Senator Lucas came into the role in 1993 by appointment from Governor Jim Hunt. She ran for election in 1994, was elected, and has been re-elected six consecutive times. She began as a teacher of Spanish and French at Hillside High School in 1957. Lucas became involved with the North Carolina Educator’s Association; she became a precinct leader, followed by becoming the chair of Durham County Democratic Party. She never stopped teaching as she progressed through the political arena. The importance of obtaining an education was ingrained into her very fiber as found in the home, the church and the community. It firmly fixed and established education as one of her principles. She used her interpersonal communication skills, otherwise known as “talking” to get her point across. Diplomacy was another trait that she had, it was found in her ability to deal with people. Jeanne was a faithful member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church throughout her lifetime. As an active member, she was found serving in these captivities; Young Adult Choir, Teacher of Sunday School, Gospel Chorus Director, Chair of the Music Committee, Member of Mass Choir and Senior Choir, Budget Chairman, Trustee Chair and attended Bible Study and Prayer meeting. On August 2, 1959 she married William “Bill” Lucas. They started working as a unit, until the day she departed. She always expressed pride and joy whenever his name was mentioned. They were the ideal couple. Jeanne and Bill enjoyed competitive activities. Some that she enjoyed more than others were scrabble, chess, backgammon, bridge, spades and shopping. Friday evening, March 9, 2007, Senator Jeanne Hopkins Lucas departed from us. After completing one final act, contributing her organs for medical research, she went to sleep recognizing that she was making life worthwhile for the society she was leaving. JAMES E SHEPARD SERTOMA CLUB is honored to have the opportunity to provide the SERVICE TO MANKIND Award to a person so committed to HUMANITY. We salute you for your sacrifices.
That kind of effort and support is worthy of recognition. During my two years as President of this club, no one has had a greater impact on me. James has earned this recognition for his unwavering support of our projects. As a result, I want to present him with a President’s Award. |
On August 28, 2007 International President of Sertoma International, Larry Shealy (r), recognizes local Sertoman Joseph Becton (l) for outstanding service to our beloved organization. As outgoing International President Shealy wanted to recognize Joe and other individuals who have served Sertoma in exemplary fashion and have championed its mission of service to mankind.
It is with great pride that the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club has chosen James A. Barnes Jr. as our Sertoman of the year recipient. James has been a very active and dedicated member of our club for six years and has participated in all the club’s functions and fundraisers. His willingness to jump in and assist with projects is unparalleled. Because of the amount of money that our club raises, our Treasurer has responsibilities regarding the Operations budget and the Sponsorship budget. The Operations Budget involves our 50l-C4 Federal Exemption while our 5Ol-C3 Exemption is included in the Sponsorship Budget. Included in the process is the compliance of each fundraiser that flows from the Sponsorship budget to the Operations budget, which has to be documented to comply with Federal regulations. James’ knowledge and professionalism allows us to comply with all regulations easily. His input to our newly formed audit committee was vital and led to the successful reorganization of our financial operations. He also works diligently with our Budget committee to ensure we comply with all regulations surrounding all our financial matters. His dedication and motivation to ensure our club’s objectives are met accurately and timely are excellent. James has been a board member and Treasurer of James E. Shepard for the past five years. His accounting knowledge and banking background serves us well and allows us to maximize support to our community.
Elton is the second oldest child born to the union of Polly and Reuben O’Neal. He is a native of Durham, North Carolina, educated in the Durham Public Schools, and is a graduate of the Hillside High School class of 1969. He earned a Bachelor of Art Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Art Degree in Education Administration from North Carolina Central University.
Jeanne Hopkins Lucas is the recipient of the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club’s SERVICE TO MANKIND AWARD posthumously.
James Edgerston is an outstanding life member of the James E. Shepard Sertoma club. He can always be counted on to support our club functions. As a fruitcake salesman, James has always exceeded club objectives. His church members can attest to his sales abilities. At his age, he can always be counted on to work more than his share of ballgames at the ballpark concession stand. James also acts as a mentor for our younger members and sets an example that encourages them to become more dedicated and interested in our causes, as we attempt to support our community. He was recently recognized at his church for 44 years of continuous service on the usher board, an award that was richly deserved. As a member of our club, James has demonstrated the same kind of enthusiasm and support for our club operations. When I became a member of James E. Shepard, James told me all about the opportunities that would come my way and I have learned to appreciate his advice, wisdom, and dedication to our causes over the years. Because of his insight, I learned to work within the framework of Sertoma to assist those in our community that are in need of the kind of support we provide. His experience has added to the successes of our club and his work ethic is second to no one in this club. He can be counted on for more than his share of any work project we undertake. I have enjoyed our friendship over the years and look forward to many more years with James as a member of Sertoma.