Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductee Sarah Gregory
Sarah Gregory has always had a soft spot for volunteering – it’s what she loves about living in Chesterfield County.
“My whole life has been associated with 4-H and the Girl Scouts.”
Gregory, a lifelong resident of the county, is one of three recent inductees into the Chesterfield Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame.
The Senior Hall of Fame program was established in 1982 to recognize members of the Chesterfield community with a minimum age of 60 that have devoted their time to serving others in various ways and forms. A life of service often goes unnoticed, and this program allows for people to be recognized for their hard work and devotion to others.
However, for Gregory, it has never been about the recognition.
When asked what she looks forward to most in her work; Gregory responded, “When the kids are happy, they’re learning, and they’re excited about what they learn.”
“I will keep on teaching these life skills – that’s what I believe in.”
As an educator and mentor to children throughout her adult life for 4-H programs and Girl Scouts, she was once one of these children herself. Gregory started off attending 4-H meetings in the 50’s as a child with her older siblings and was introduced to community service through her parents – who both spent a lot of time volunteering and helping their community.
Gregory did not stop as a child and has now served the 4-H program for over 50 years as an adult, even being selected as a ‘4-H All Star’ in 1987 because of her participation.
When she’s not serving her community, Gregory enjoys activities such as sewing, upholstery, cooking, and travelling. She also still finds ways to use her hobbies and skills for a greater purpose and looks to pass these skills on to younger generations. She does this in the hopes they are prepared for life and they will be able to sustain themselves – with the expectation they, too, will one day pass these skills on to others as she has.
With people like Gregory around, many can rest assured knowing their children are in good hands and will be well prepared for the life ahead.
“I will keep on teaching these life skills – that’s what I believe in.”
This blog post was written by Communications and Media summer intern Jason Lacks, who is a rising junior at Virginia Tech.
