The GVESC is proud to be the 2025 recipient of the Appalachian Studies Association (ASA) Helen M. Lewis Community Service Award. The award “is given to an individual or an organization that has made exemplary contributions to Appalachia through involvement with and service to its people and communities.” Lewis was a pioneer of Appalachian studies and advocacy and a champion of community participation. Past recipients of the award include the Hindman Settlement School, Southern Appalachian Labor School, author Silas House, and Dr. Amy Clark, founding director of the Appalachian Writing Project.

The GVESC is honored to be among such leaders in community service from throughout Appalachia and will continue to fulfill the foundations of the award as an agent for advocacy, collaboration and resource alignment, and reimagining for the communities it serves.  The award was given at the 48th annual ASA conference held at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. The conference theme was Rural Reimagined: A Grand Challenge for Appalachia.  Dr. Denise Shockley, GVESC Superintendent, accepted the award and said, "It is a great honor to be recognized for the work the GVESC does with children and families in Appalachia. Through collaboration with many stakeholders, programs and services have been provided in our local communities to enhance educational opportunities, family engagement, and community initiatives."