Governor recognizes Gold Awards winners

Franklin native is among the recipients

Gov. John Bel Edwards, First Lady Donna Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs honored the winners of the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards and the 2019 Inclusive Art Contest in a ceremony at the Old State Capitol.
Ali Hebert, originally of Franklin and now living in Lafayette, received the Patsy Barrett Memorial Award.
The GOLD Awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations that have contributed their time and talents to benefit the lives of persons with disabilities in Louisiana.
“Every year, the GOLD Awards honor Louisianans who dedicate their time and energy to making our state a more inclusive place to live,” Gov. Edwards said. “It’s important to recognize the hard work these honorees are doing every day to move Louisiana forward.”
The Inclusive Art Contest enables participants to increase awareness of the importance of inclusion in today’s society through artistic expression. This year’s contest theme was “Living, Learning, and Loving Together!”
Gov. Edwards provided the opening remarks at the GOLD Awards and First Lady Donna Edwards presented the awards to each Inclusive Art Contest winner and congratulated them on their achievement.
The other winners are as follows:
2019 GOLD Award Recipients
Distinguished Merit Award: Tom Barnes of Metairie
Ken Vince Memorial Award: Jeff Arseneaux of Abita Springs
Educator of the Year Award: Sondra Mullen of New Orleans
Youth of the Year Award: William Romero of Youngsville
Family of the Year Award: The Brooks Family of Thibodaux
Volunteer of the Year Award: Pittre Walker of Shreveport
Employer of the Year Award: Lenny Martinsen of New Orleans
Direct Support Professional of the Year Award: William Jackson of Kentwood
Service Animal of the Year Award: Annie Frannie Corkern of Amite
Elected Official of the Year Award: Sen. Dan Claitor of Baton Rouge

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