For the Observer-Reporter

At 85 years old, Susan Hunter of Donora sometimes thinks she's ready to let her rocking chair take over.

But it doesn't seem likely that she'll be slowing down anytime soon.

She is particularly devoted to the Foster Grandparent Program, and she was one of four members in Southwestern Pennsylvania to receive the Foster Grandparent Program Director's Award.

"Every year I say it's the last year, but it never is," Hunter said.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a federal program that gives senior citizens the opportunity to serve as mentors to children with exceptional needs. The Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter serves Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.

Hunter had been nominated for the award in the past, but was surprised when she was chosen from 36 nominees as one of this year's recipients.

"I saw my family walk into the ceremony and I was so elated I thought my heart would jump right out," she said.

Hunter became a foster grandparent in 2000, after the death of her husband. A friend was already part of the organization and encouraged her to join.

Hunter started by working in kindergarten classes, but she has worked in Alice Prentice's second-grade classroom at Donora Elementary Center for the past three years.

Prentice nominated Hunter for the award because of Hunter's effort with helping the children succeed both academically and socially. She said Hunter is every child's ideal grandmother, and she is loved and respected in the classroom.

"I've always loved working with children," Hunter said.

She plans to work with Prentice's second-grade class next year, continuing her routine of reviewing material with students through flashcards, helping to solve math problems, giving make-up tests, or following along in books with students who need reading help.

Aside from the schoolwork, Hunter also takes time to talk with the students about growing up.

"It's been very rewarding," Hunter said. "I get a chance to tell them about stories from my youth in Donora and what we did when we were growing up."

She said students are both amazed and appalled at her recollections of black and white television, not to mention communication without cell phones, and they seem genuinely interested to learn what their hometown used to be like.

Hunter has taught vacation Bible school and is active in the missionary society of her church, St. Paul Baptist in Donora. She serves as vice president of the Pennsylvania Baptists State Convention Women's Division, is a past matron in the Order of the Eastern Star and a past daughter ruler of the Daughter Elks. She was recommended for the Monongahela Valley Hospital Auxiliary, which she joined in 2000.

Although she doesn't have a college degree, Hunter has taken a number of courses in psychology and gerontology from California University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. She also has an associate degree in sociology.

"The most rewarding thing is not only in the school environment, but even as you walk the streets or see the children in the malls," Hunter said, "they always greet you with hello and a hug. It's always good to know you've played a part in a child's life."

And as long as she can continue to maintain her busy schedule, settling into her rocking chair isn't an option.

"As long as I'm active and can do something that's productive, the Lord will let me keep going," Hunter said. "If I'm inactive, I won't be of use to anyone or myself and he'll take me."

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