Mary Adams is an English professor at Western Carolina University and a foster parent of companion animals and promotes their adoption. During the last two years, she has placed more than 150 animals in new permanent homes. In addition, she has developed a Web site for the Humane Society of Jackson County.

Joyce Cooper lives in Cherokee and for than 10 years she has volunteered innumerable hours at a variety of programs, most of them geared toward educating children about their heritage. She volunteers with the Eastern Band of Cherokee, introducing the children to the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains and the restoration of the elk to the valleys and forests. She is a retired Haywood Community College librarian and now works for the Cherokee Indian Museum.

Margie Hall is an office assistant and instructor with Pathways for the Future of Jackson County. At 87 years old, she is sharing her skills and wisdom with individuals with disabilities by teaching a basket making class.

Stella Hall has volunteered with Pathways for the Future for the past two years. Although she is blind, she is an office assistant for Pathways and helps with monthly mailing activities and conducts consumer satisfaction surveys when needed.

Elaine White has given many volunteer hours to the Vecinos Inc. Migrant Health Program over the past four years. Securing food from the food bank and gathering medical and first aid supplies and special treats for the children has been a priority for her. Last year, through her efforts, at least 12 children in one migrant camp were fed enough to elevate them from malnourished status to normal. At Christmastime she makes sure that Papa Noel knows where the migrant children live and that every child has a visit from Santa.