Happy #ThankfulThursday Family!!! I'm Still Elated, Basking in #Joy and Excitement, Overjoyed, and at the Same time, Emotionally Uplifted!!! Why you ask? Well, Let's first start with the What!!! The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards are an Annual Event held to honor those in our Nation who Exhibit Outstanding Character, Work Ethic, and Dedication to their Communities. Recognizing Individuals or Groups who have made Significant Contributions by way of their Scholarship, Administration, Leadership, or Mentoring. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who complete over 4,000 Hours of Service in their Lifetime. Fam, This past weekend I had the honor of Receiving one of these Honors!!! Last Year when I was Informed that I was Nominated, I Graciously Thanked the Committee then forgot All about it until I got a Call from Dr. Beverly Kee, of the "Points of Life", Congratulating me for making the Cut. The Road to this Decision was filled with Several Interviews and Much Research!! They wanted to know WHO I was Scholastically, Emotionally, and Personally! To find out That EVERYONE who Dr. Kee talked to about, Derrick Rutledge, came back with Overwhelming Stories of Love and Positivity, Warmed my Soul!!! During the Vetting Process I Told Dr. Kee how I come from a Generational Family of Educators, Principals, and Councelors, That's My Mommy, My Aunt, My Sister and My Cousin who are Now All in Heaven and a Sister, Still Living, who For 35 Years Has been a Special Education Teacher!! So Teaching and Training has Always been in my blood. To my Surprise, Not Only did I get Recognized, but Posthumously So did my Mother Regina T. Rutledge and Aunt Constance T. Laws. As well as my 89 Year Young Aunt Marlene Tolson. "When you are able to provide others with Hope and Inspiration, you are Serving them and Attending to their Spiritual needs!!! So Family, I guess my 30 Years of #Love, Dedication and Hard Work has not gone unnoticed!! Please Scroll Left to View my Certificate, Medal, Letter from the President, and Lapel Pin, excerpts from the Ceremony, My Emotional Tribute to my Mommy, and My TV Appearance to Discuss the Ceremony! #derrickrutledge