By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Wyvonne Johnson has been helping others most of her life. For that, she was honored with a very special award from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
Johnson, a member of the sorority for 34 years, was named Community Woman of Distinction for the Year, where her continuing dedication to making a difference was honored.
"It's very exciting," Johnson said. "I was up for the Margaret B. Upton award in the spring and I didn't receive that, but people thought I should be recognized locally for what I do, so this is such an honor to have."
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. The sorority is located in 14 countries across the world, including Sweden, Germany, Canada, Great Britain and others.
"We really want to promote education for women. For that, we give scholarships every year to local students who are going on to college and majoring in education," Johnson said.
Delta Kappa Gamma isn't the only thing Johnson is involved with. Her list of accomplishments is pages long – literally.
Johnson retired as a school teacher from the Niles District in 1995. She earned the Teacher of the Year award at Oak Manor School in 1982-83. She is also listed in the 1974 edition of the Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America book.
Johnson was also the co-author of the Summer Activity Book for children, which published in 1978.
Her volunteer work has included assisting students in a variety of academic activities for the Fresh Start program; A Lakeland Medical Volunteer for the surgery waiting room; A Lake Michigan College Volunteer Council member; Lake Michigan Mendel Center theatrical usher; A member of the Southwest Michigan Economic Club for 10 years; The blood donor co-ordinator for 10 years with the American Red Cross and The American Red Cross Board of Directors for six years.
Johnson also received the American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year award in 2003-04.
"I've always enjoyed helping others and giving back to the community. Now that I've been retired for 12 years, I have more time to do more things and I enjoy every minute of it," she said.
When Johnson isn't busy volunteering her time, she enjoys reading, cooking, sewing, traveling, bowling on the USBC Women's League and participating in 5K races.