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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

West End Neighborhood Watch honored three leaders in the community during the May Day celebration on May 7.

Andrew Stoudemire, Laquira S. Baker and Stanley Varner were each thanked for their service and presented with a plaque.

Francine Lewis of WENW said Baker “took the initiative to bring something to the community that was much needed” through her father, daughter dance.

“It was very successful in the two years we were able to do this,” Baker said. “It was amazing to see the fathers come out with their daughters.”

Velma Tinsley of WENW presented Varner his award. She said he was “born and raised in this community.” After retiring from the military, “he found his way back home,” Tinsley said of Varner returning to Chilton County.

She said he has done everything he can to make efforts of the neighborhood watch successful.

“We are honored, and we are pleased to have him back in the community, back working hard and doing things that he loves to show that he loves his community,” Tinsley said. “He wants to see the community prosper. He wants to see young people prosper.”

In honoring Stoudemire, Jackie Baker of WENW said he is a hard worker. Stoudemire is involved in various volunteer opportunities, and he dedicates time to keeping the community looking good by picking up trash on the side of the road.

“Thanks for your hard work in serving our community,” Baker said as he presented the award.

Tinsley said Stoudemire is also faithful to get his family involved.

“You can always count on the Stoudemire and Jenkins family to be in support of their loved ones,” Tinsley said. “You can count on them to be in support of the West End Neighborhood Watch. We really appreciate you.”

Clanton City Council member Awlahjaday Agee was the guest speaker for the event.

“West End is good community, but I want to challenge us to be a great and a beloved community,” Agee said.

He said this is done through “believing in one another, sacrificing for one another and looking out for one another.”

Attendees continued to enjoy vendors and each other’s company while grilling and eating throughout the event.