BRONZE Recipients [100-249 hours of service]: Vicki Barrett, Vicki Bertrand, Beth Doan, Terry Edwards, Pamela Ferrell, Susan Follett, Susan Gregory, Alex Huddleston, Paula Johnson, Dorothy Kiser, Sue Mathes, Sheila Middleton, Kathy Moon, Bill Nevill, Howard Rowlson-Hall, Carole Saunders, Octavia Starbuck, Anne Wojcikowski, Julie Yeatts

SILVER Recipients [250-499 hours of service]: Kennie Dickson, Marjo Hennessey, Cynthia Mitchell and Sandy Morrissett

The Honorable Dale H. Harris Volunteer Hall of Fame

In recognition of CASA's 20th anniversary and to honor The Honorable Dale H. Harris, who initiated the establishment of the CASA program, CASA of Central VA established the Honorable Dale H. Harris Volunteer Hall of Fame. The first twelve volunteers were inducted at CASA's 20th Anniversary Celebration, which was held on March 19, 2010 at Oakwood Country Club.

The Hall of Fame was intended to recognize exemplary volunteers - board members as well as CASA volunteers - who had made significant contributions to the organization and to achieving positive outcomes for abused and neglected children. Each inductee is presented with an engraved, clear acrylic award; and his or her name is engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the CASA Administrative Office.

In order to be inducted, volunteers must meet the following selection criteria:

1. Must have served as a CASA volunteer or on CASA's Board of Directors for a minimum of three years.
2. Must have demonstrated exemplary services as a volunteer, often going above and beyond the duties outlined in the job description.
3. Must have made a measurable impact to improve the organization or the life of an abused and neglected child.
4. Has received a written recommendation from a staff member or other volunteer familiar with the nominee's contributions.

2011 Inductees

The Honorable Dale H. Harris Volunteer Hall of Fame

Kennie Dickson has been a CASA volunteer since 2002. She serves with dedication and has a passion for children. She has advocated for 23 children. Each case has had its share of difficulties. Kennie often accepts cases with large sibling groups, and she often travels long distances to visit with her children. Currently she works with a sibling group of seven. She never wants to be praised or thanked and is so humble about the tireless work that she continues to do everyday. Judge R. Louis Harrison, Bedford J & DR Court, stated recently that Kennie is a "bull dog" in her relentless fight for a good outcome for the children in the court system. She does not back down when things get tough. She politely agrees to disagree and suggests "there might be a better way." Her court reports are top notch and are always complimented by the Judge as well as guardians ad litem.

Beth Doan has been a CASA volunteer in Campbell County and Lynchburg since December 11, 2007. In this short time period she has served 20 children [9 groups], dedicated 672 hours and driven 5704 miles. She dutifully researches her cases, writes her reports, sends her advocate manager her monthly activity forms and attends trainings. Additionally, Beth is always willing to volunteer her time [and cooking expertise] to help with other CASA events, such as The Heart & Sole Shoe Sale, the Holiday Volunteer Luncheon, the CCDSS Pancake Breakfast and the LDSS Luncheon, The Horse & Hound Wine Festival, Day in the Park, and the Ad Astra Music Festival, to name a few. Her desserts are legendary! And "her families" and colleagues never forget her warm smile and helpful ways.

Over a period of three years, Cindy Mitchell has dedicated 1054 hours and driven 9209 miles -- serving seven children who have endured extreme physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. She has worked tirelessly to find safe, nurturing and permanent placements for these children - at times going against the recommendations of the social worker. Cindy never takes "no" as the final answer and uses her creativity and resources to find answers to her questions. Additionally, Cindy helps with almost every event that CASA plans -- from obtaining building supplies and selling raffle tickets for the CASA for Kids playhouse project to making starfish necklaces to working the CASA Shoe Sale and assisting with the CCDSS Pancake Breakfast. She has also served on the CASA Board of Directors for the last two years as the volunteer liaison.

Leslie S. Phillips was a guardian ad litem and represented the legal system on the first CASA board, which was formed in 1990. She accepted the project of getting non-profit status for CASA. It took her over 9 months to do the paper work. The Articles of Incorporation were finally completed, and she filed for non-profit status. CASA was established as a 501 ( c ) (3 ) in 1994. As an attorney, she was always very supportive of the CASA program, and gave the board members a feel for the courts. Leslie remained on the CASA Board for four years and rotated off. She returned to the board in 1995 and remained on the board for four more years, until 1999.

Vernice Watts is a well respected and dedicated volunteer with CASA and with many other civic organizations in Nelson County. Vernice has been a CASA volunteer for 15 1/2 years and has served 31 children in Amherst and Nelson counties. She shows love and care for each of the children she has worked with and has gained the respect of professionals in each case. When Vernice is out in the community, she is often approached by her former CASA children, who provide her updates on their lives. This is a testament to Vernice and to the impression that she leaves on the children she has advocated for.

Jo Woods was inducted as a CASA volunteer in May 1996. She served as a CASA volunteer consistently from 1996-2000 and then took a break and returned in 2004. She has served 16 children during the past 15 years. Her commitment to CASA and the children is evident in her dedication and years of service. She has also made us aware of resources available through a civic group with which she is involved. Jo has impressed staff over the years with her willingness to continue to learn new skills.

Bonnie Burley Crews served as a CASA volunteer from November 1992 to April 2003. Bonnie was assigned to the case of young teen who had just endured a traumatic situation. Bonnie was never judgmental toward her CASA child and continually encouraged her through every aspect of her life. Bonnie used patience, persistence and consistency and taught this child resiliency skills that enabled this child to become a very healthy young woman. In addition, Bonnie assisted with the expansion of the CASA program into Campbell County and helped to secure funding from the Board of Supervisors. She also became active in advocacy efforts with the Virginia General Assembly, attending meetings with local legislators where she spoke on behalf of funding for the CASA programs.

Jo Farnandez has touched the lives of 45 children during her service as a CASA volunteer for 14 years from 1995 to 2009. As a CASA she always gave her children careful attention. She met with them often and was careful in her observation of their well being. She was relentless and determined in seeking every possible source of assistance for each child under her care. Her court reports with recommendations were always carefully written and well documented. Jo shared a case with Rosel Schewel which involved eight children. The case was complicated and the family was difficult, but Jo never gave up in her efforts to help them even though the case dragged on for over four years.

Mark Hamilton has served as a CASA volunteer since 2003 and has advocated for a total of 21 children from six families or cases. Because many foster families are unable to care for a large number of siblings, large sibling groups of from three to six children often have to be separated while in care. These are the cases that Mark often has been assigned to. He always makes an effort to travel to all the homes where the siblings are placed, no matter where they happen to be. He also tries to bring all the siblings together occasionally for a special outing, such as bowling or playing in a park. Having raised two children of his own, Mark has a remarkable ability to relate to children and families. He is respectful of the schedules and opinions of social workers and families and does a thorough job of investigating each case and advocating for the best interest of "his CASA kids." Mark also lends a hand with CASA trainings and helps to teach new CASA volunteers who are observing his court cases.

Pat Merryman served two successive three-year terms, 1995-2001; took a break from the board for three years, and returned in 2004 to serve two more three-year terms. The current year is the last year of her fourth three-year term. As a board member, Pat takes her duties seriously. She always participated in the holiday campaigns and helped to secure funding from new donors, including one $2,500 gift. She is always extremely generous as a donor herself. Her contributions from Sonny Merryman, Inc. to CASA through the use of tractor trailers and drivers for the past 10 shoes sales have been invaluable. She has coordinated the loading of the tractor trailers with Consolidated Shoes and the delivery of the tractor trailers to the sites of the shoe sales for all of the ten previous sales. She also personally volunteers at the shoe sale. Finally Pat has had an impact on CASA of Central VA by serving on the Nominations Committee and helping to recruit prospective board members.

Flo Minnix helped convince her husband, The Honorable Ray Minnix, who was serving as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge in Bedford, that the CASA program could be beneficial for children in Bedford. After Judge Minnix's sudden and untimely death in 1992, Flo continued to promote the cause of the CASA program in Bedford. She approached The Honorable Phillip Wallace, who replaced Judge Minnix on the bench, and help to convince him about the benefits of having CASA volunteers appointed to abused and neglected children's cases. Flo served on CASA's Board of Directors from 1993-1997. She continued to work in Bedford County to gain support from the community for the CASA program. She approached civic clubs and spoke at Lions Club and Rotary Club meetings. She helped to recruit volunteers and hosted volunteer teas at her home. She secured a free training space and meals from the Bedford Memorial Hospital for the CASA training program. She also was instrumental in obtaining funding for the CASA program from the Bedford County Board of Supervisors.

Leslie "Sandy" Morrissett is always willing to go the extra mile for the children he is assigned to and often volunteers for difficult cases that involve multiple siblings. Sandy spends countless hours investigating his case which often requires him to visit multiple foster homes in different localities. He also volunteers for cases outside of his local area. Since being inducted in 2002, Sandy has served 35 children. Sandy always models professional behavior and a positive attitude. Juvenile Court Judges often comment on Sandy's excellent reports as well as his professional demeanor in court. Sandy also participates in activities outside of his role as a CASA volunteer which help to promote community awareness of the CASA program. Sandy was the volunteer representative on our Board of Directors 2005-2009. He also participates in training activities, sharing his experience to newer Advocates; volunteers for Community Awareness booths; attends local Domestic Violence Coalition meetings and volunteers countless hours to our major fundraiser and other CASA events.

Blair Moseley served two, three-year terms on CASA's Board of Directors, 1999 - 2005. These were pivotal year when CASA of Central Virginia was undergoing expansion. With a clear vision of the future and the need to secure funding and ensure sustainability, Blair helped to establish the Heart and Sole Shoe Market. Through her connections in the shoe industry and with Consolidated Shoes, the first shoe sale was held in the spring of 1999 and brought in $6,0000. The 10th Annual Heart and Sole Shoe Market, which was held April 4-5, 2009 grossed over $86,000. The shoe sale has become a branded event which gets bigger and better every year. Blair has continued to be an integral part of the shoe sale each and every year.

Joe Payne was the first president of the CASA Board of Directors and served from 1990 to 1994. He obtained vital in-kind support from Centra Health, including office space in Virginia Baptist Hospital, space for volunteer training, and meals for volunteers in training. Joe also got support from Centra Health for training manuals and materials, billboards and public relations materials, as well as administrative help for workshops and conferences. He sponsored numerous volunteers and staff members so that they could attend local and regional trainings on child abuse issues. Under Joe's steady leadership, CASA was able to obtain status as a 501 ( c ) (3 ) organization in 1994. He also worked tirelessly with state legislators to secure a line item for funding of CASA programs in the state budget and worked with the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop a CASA program funding distribution model. He served as an officer on the board of the VA CASA Association.

Harriet Ramsey served as a CASA volunteer from 1993 - 1998. As a CASA volunteer Harriet advocated for her CASA children in a positive, professional manner. She has frequently been known to remark about how meaningful to her this work was. She assisted with the interviewing of prospective volunteers and also helped to develop the tools used to evaluate CASA volunteers annually. She also served as the volunteer liaison to the Board of Directors, 1995-1997. In this capacity Harriet was always direct in expressing her opinions to the board and in letting board members know what worked and didn't work.

Dana Redmond served on the CASA Board of Directors from 1990 to 1996 and helped lead the organization from its infancy through some of its most difficult times. A formal governance structure was developed and basic policies and manuals were developed and implemented. She helped to define the roles of staff, volunteers, and board members. Dana developed a partnership with Randolph Macon Woman's College for three training sessions. She recognized the importance of recognizing volunteers, and hosted annual volunteer appreciation dinners in her home. She was instrumental in obtaining funding from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust and the Easley Foundation. After leaving CASA's Board, Dana did not stop advocating for the CASA program. She worked tirelessly from 1996-2002 as a member of the Board and as President of the Virginia CASA Association. During this time CASA programs were expanding across the state - four to seven new programs each year. Dana generously shared her organizational knowledge to assist new programs. She also helped to secure funding from the Virginia General Assembly and helped define the relationship between CASA programs and the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Rosel Schewel served as a CASA Volunteer for fifteen years. She was inducted in November 1992 and took her first case in February 1993 and served 24 children until she resigned in February 2008. Of those 24 children she had one family of eight children which she served with Jo Farnandez for more than four years, under multiple appointments. Rosel, and Jo both, exemplify dedication and commitment to their appointed children. They went the extra mile to advocate for the needs of the children and the family as a whole. Rosel is passionate about education and always was a strong advocate for her children's educational needs. Rosel was also well respected and she had a great working relationship with the professionals and families with whom she worked. Rosel's involvement has made a difference in so many families, and she still maintains a relationship with her now grown CASA children.

Octavia Starbuck has served as a CASA Volunteer in Lynchburg since April 2006. She has served 8 children over the last four years with compassion, professionalism, and objectivity. Octavia is an exemplary volunteer, with great attention to detail. Although she works a very demanding full-time job, she is very involved with her cases and normally has contact on a weekly basis. She continually receives praise for her work from the professionals and families she works with, and many compliments on the thoroughness of her court reports. She stays in regular communication with her advocate manager and keeps her apprised of the circumstances in her case. Octavia goes over and beyond what is expected of a CASA Volunteer. She is frequently requested to speak to the volunteer in training to assist them in understanding how to most effectively perform the volunteer duties. Since the initiation of the Presidential Service Awards, Octavia has earned an annual Award for her hours of service to her appointed children. She actively participates in in-service opportunities, attending the vast majority of the in-services provided by the program.