Well, Fern, my congratulations to you and I want to thank
you so much for sharing this article with me and as this
title states, you are one who has always reached for the
stars! I am so proud of you and I hope that I don't get
into too much trouble by doing this page. It would be
very nice to have the permission of the reporter for this
however. I know I have a page of some of your poetry
and a few of your accomplishments but I could not
resist adding this one.
This is an article written by Arnie Kloock, PCRTA
President in The Enterprise on October 23, 2002 about
my college roommate.
Fern Soyars Agee, a Patrick County High School retired
teacher, brought honor to the Patrick County Retired
Teachers Association by being selected the Most
Active Volunteer Member of the Virginia Retired
Teachers Association for 2002.
Pat Conner, chair of the Community Participation
Committee, recognized Agee on October 8 during the
fall conference at Virginia United Methodist Assembly in
Blackstone and presented her a certificate, A VRTA pin
and a plaque of recognition.
"Mrs. Agee was the choice of the committee because
she was the most versatile in her volunteer activities and
she has done everything," Conner stated. "This award is
in recognition of your outstanding service to the people
in your community" was read by Conner from the plaque
as she presented the award.
Agee was first selected in June by the Patrick County
Retired Teachers Association as their Most
Active Volunteer Member for 2002. A resume of her volunteer
activities along with three letters of recommendation
were submitted for the state competition.
After graduating from Radford College with a bachelor's
degree in business education, Agee quickly became a
volunteer. Her first volunteer effort was to serve as a
fund-raising captain to help secure moneys to build a
new hospital - now R.J.Reynolds Patrick County
Memorial Hospital.
That was only the beginning. Throughout her teaching
career she volunteered in her profession, in her
community and in her church. At the age of 32, she was
recognized for her professional achievements,
community and church contributions by being named to
Outstanding Young Women of America.
Agee has written 33 poems for the PCRTA scrapbook,
serves as reporter and publicity chairman, and also
chaired the With Our Youth Committee. She participates
in all PCRTA activities. She has written poems of
welcome for both VRTA and District E Retired
Teachers Association.
She is the author of two books which have been
published. Lyrical Printouts of the Soul is a touching
book of poetry which she dedicated ot her mother.
Musing on the Profound and Amusing recounts
humorous events from her teaching career. "It is a roller
coaster, fun ride through a lifetime given to teaching with
many funny stories, hopes, disappointments and a
profound understanding of kids of all ages,"
wrote proofreader Kathleen Johnson.
In a letter of recommendation, Ella Sue Joyce wrote,
"Fern has always given so unselfishly of herself
because she wants to be a helper and contributor - not
for personal recognition. Fern was nominated for this
honor because of the person she is and not because of
her diverse volunteerism which helps so many people in
so many different ways.
"She has always been a civic-minded, contributing
member of her community, as her resume reveals.
However, she has taken advantage of the flexible time
of retirement to serve her community in additional ways
that give her great personal satisfaction."
Following her retirement in 1998, Agee has become
as active member of PCRTA, a volunteer at The Landmark
Center and a certified hospice volunteer. At The
Landmark Center she is known as an "encourager". She
conducts creative writing sessions, helps with
recreational activities, and gives of her time to visit
residents in The Landmark and Blue Ridge Nursing
Center. Agee always wants to make a difference in the
lives of people.
"Fern has boundless energy that she consistently
channels towards helping others," wrote Ann Belcher.
"As my teacher, Mrs. Agee was incredibly sensitive
to her students and their personal needs. We were always
on task and each day we had a new goal. She has been
dedicated to achieving her goals in her own sensitive,
compassionate way which was displayed in every
capacity that I have known her."
"I don't think I have ever been around another teacher
who cared so deeply about students and co-workers. I
could always count on her to listen, care, and offer
positive words. Fern continues to be a beacon of light in
our community. What better way to honor her than with
the Most Active Volunteer Member Award," wrote
Dianne Hughes.
The Most Active Volunteer Member Award recognizes
and honors those people who have continuously
volunteered their time and talent to benefit their
community. From July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002,
Fern has given 1,211 hours of her time to this community.
