T.G. Howard Community Center Inc. Lifetime Achievement Award:

The lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Ms. Janet Johnson. Ms. Johnson has been a leader and servant in Pulaski County for many years. Ms. Johnson recently played a crucial role in making the Calfee Training School Project a reality.

The historical knowledge and compassion for the Calfee Training School that Ms. Johnson shared became a source of inspiration for many in the community. Ms. Johnson also serves as the Historian on the T.G. Howard Community Center, Inc. Board of Directors. Thank you Ms. Johnson. We appreciate you and your commitment to others.

T.G. Howard Community Center Inc. Community Impact Award:

The Community Impact award is presented to Mr. Michael Reis. Mr. Reis is a practicing attorney that was recently elected to the Pulaski Town Council. Mr. Reis started assisting the Calfee Training School Project and and at a later date the T.G. Howard Community Center, Inc. organization in early 2018 on a Pro-Bono basis.

Mr. Reis, who is not a native of Pulaski, appreciated the historical significance of the Calfee Training School and offered his services in navigating the complex ownership issues that plagued the property for many years. Mr. Reis was also instrumental in assessing, discovering and exploring the material needed by the T.G. Howard Community Center’s Board of Directors as they prepared to rehabilitate the center back to its historical prominence/purpose.

Thank you for showing interest and providing assistance to initiatives that will impact Pulaski County for many years to come.

Recipient of Community Impact Award 2021

Mr. Bruce has served the community in various capacities over the years, and has taken a role in the renovation of the T.G. Howard Community Center. Mr. Bruce is always ready to lend a hand to those and need, and volunteers his time to ensure that those in need get assistance. James Bruce has been described as the gentle giant with the big heart. We could not agree more. Thank you for your support and investment in our community.

Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award 2021

Ms. Marva Hickman is a tireless champion of the community. Ms. Hickman is a former educator in the Pulaski School System and continues to be active in her church. Ms. Hickman is responsible for numerous volunteer programs that assist the young and elderly alike. Marva is dedicated member of her church and fulfills the role of instrumentalist. We thank Ms. Hickman for her commitment to our community, children, and families.

Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award 2022

Mr. Penn is a native of Pulaski County. Mr. Penn attend the Calfee training school as well as the Christiansburg Institute. Lane Penn was a drum major and a prolific basketball player during his younger years . Mr. Penn was actually recognized as the most valuable basketball player in 1956.

Mr. Penn went on to the military after graduation, and served as a paratrooper in the Army for three years. Mr. Lane Penn then enrolled in Bluefield State , majored in electronics and worked in the field for several years.

Lane Penn eventually found himself back in the New River Valley and worked for the Pulaski County School Board as the Maintenance Supervisor for over 14 years. Mr. Penn went on and campaigned to be on the Pulaski town council, and has served for over 24 years with this current term being his last.

Recipient of Community Impact Award 2022

Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley has been working on the center’s renovations since late 2021. The journey has been challenging, and rewarding for both groups . The chance to rediscover, and repair an important part of history does not come often. Families are served by both organizations , and the organizations compliment each other in an effective manner.

The T.G. Howard Community Center Inc. , and Habitat for Humanity actually had some past / present connections that neither were aware of when the collaboration began.

We would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Jeff Walls, Ms. Kiedel Harroff , Kim Snider, and former staff member Melissa Carden.

Accepting the award for Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley is Ms. Kiedel Harroff.