By Staff
from staff reports
Shirley West, director of Turtle Point Science Center, was honored with a retirement reception Friday as she passed the reigns to her successor, Jackie Word.
West has served as the director of the Escambia County facility since its inception in 1999. During that time, the center has won countless awards on the local, state, regional and national levels.
During her tenure as director, West has been the recipient of many awards including Legacy's Environmental Educator of the Year in 1998 ; AWF's Governor's Conservation Achievement Award – Conservation Educator of the Year 2001; the 2001 Rotarian Service Above Self Award for Turtle Point Project; Area VI Soil &Water Conservation District Supervisors Outstanding Conservation Teacher 2002; Alabama Association of Conservation Districts Outstanding Conservation Teacher Elementary Division 2003; and Legacy's Education Committee Member of the Year 2003.
The reception was attended by dignitaries and educators from across the state, as well as well-wishers from area schools and civic organizations.