WCCF honors Chester, Cheran for public service
Washington County Community Foundation Inc. has named the winners of two public service awards.
Nellie Chester will receive the Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award for her lifelong devotion to local humanitarian efforts. Inspired by her community’s outreach after a fire that damaged the family’s home, Chester began volunteering at a local food pantry and continued for the next 30 years. She revamped the food distribution system, now a model for area food banks.
In addition to serving as president of the Greater Washington County Food Bank board of directors and president of Eighty Four Lions Club, Chester raised six children. Chester is continuing her work as a coordinator for Ellsworth Food Bank, a voucher writer for the Salvation Army, a supporter of the Great American Food Drive and a member of Washington County Democratic Committee.
Matthew Cheran, a social studies teacher at Peters Township Middle School, will receive the Dr. Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator award for his accomplishments as a teacher and role model. The foundation will donate $1,000 to the middle school in Cheran’s honor. Cheran pursues a teaching style that not only educates, but also entertains his students, and also serves as a positive role model.
Both awards will be presented at WCCF’s annual Legacy Celebration May 29.