Fran Adams, volunteer at Farley Elementary School, was recently recognized by Kentucky First Lady Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services with the Senior Volunteer Service Award. 

Adams received the award as part of the 2011 Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service at the Governor’s Mansion. The Senior Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual (ages 65 and older) who has met a community need in an innovative and effective manner. The nominee may have demonstrated exceptional ability and have made a great impact through changed lives and/or community conditions as a result of service efforts.

For the past 14 years, Adams has volunteered in the library of Farley Elementary School five hours a day, four days a week – even during summer break. She shelves books, reads to classes, makes bookmarks for students and offers students needed attention. Students look forward to spending time with Adams in the library. She helps them search for books and is well informed of the library’s circulation program. She also meets the needs of students when the librarian is busy assisting others which allows the librarian to complete additional duties related to the library’s mission.

Adams believes the library is the heart of a school. Her hands-on service and devotion to both books and students is a positive example – creating lifelong lovers of books, reading and learning.

Adams’ commitment to service at Farley Elementary is represented best by her actions during the devastating flood that swept through Western McCracken County in spring 2011. The floodwaters invaded many homes and destroyed property for miles, including the Adams' own home. Although they had to move and live in a camper until the floodwater subsided, Adams and her husband continued helping neighbors place sandbags. Even during this time, she faithfully found ways to get to the school and continue her valuable volunteer service. Her dedication and commitment is an inspiration to all, but especially to the more than 50 students who were also displaced by the flood.

Photo: Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear, Fran Adams, Larry Adams and Deputy Secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Eric Friedlander.