VALLEY — Irmgard Westfall is this year’s Volunteer of the Year for Valley Haven School. At Thursday’s annual dinner for Valley Haven and the Arc of the Chattahoochee Valley, she received the 2018 John Allen Smith Award.

“Irmgard is so helpful to everyone at the school,” said Valley Haven’s executive director, Craig Brown, in making the presentation. “She’s been a volunteer for Valley Haven for well over 20 years. She always helps us with the Hike/Bike/Run and is also there for classroom help and in many other activities for the school. She’s a very deserving recipient of this award. She does so much for us, she’s always encouraging and supportive, and I appreciate her always asking about my family.”

Brown said that she’s also supportive of other local organizations.

“She was one of two volunteers for Chattahoochee Hospice when it started,” he said.

Irmgard was born in the Bavaria region of Germany and in 1959 married to the late Clova Westfall. She first came to the U.S. in 1961 and returned to stay five years later. She and Clova had six children, four boys and two girls. One of her sons, Jeffrey, is a Valley Haven client.

Jeffrey’s three brothers, Clay, George and Toby, were there for their mom’s big night. Clay lives in the Atlanta area, George in Huntsville and Toby in Beulah.

The presentation of the John Allen Smith Outstanding Volunteer Award was the highlight event of the annual dinner. A large number of supporters of the school were present. Many of them took tours of the building and were given insight on the daily activities at Valley Haven.

Officers were announced for 2018-19. They include: Sam Bradford, president; Eddie Lanier, first vice president; Chris Busby, second vice president; Karen Poer, secretary; Wanda Huguley, treasurer; Lynn Duncan, chaplain; Essie Mae Harris, membership chair and new board members Mike Cox and Christy Carpenter. Coming off the board are Mary Hamilton, Rachel Harris and Tony Powers.