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First Lady Kathy Justice presents Rhododendron Award to Margaret Ann O'Neil
Summary
First Lady Kathy Justice presented the Rhododendron Award to Margaret Ann O'Neil at a ceremony where an introducer named Sean recounted the honoree's two decades of community work, and the plaque text described the award as an initiative to recognize unsung community leaders. The First Lady noted it was her last local engagement before the governor's term ends Friday.
First Lady Kathy Justice presented the Rhododendron Award to Margaret Ann O'Neil at a brief ceremony, praising O'Neil's long record of quiet service to West Virginia communities.
Kathy Justice, the state's first lady, opened the event by thanking attendees and saying she created the award during this administration to honor "a male or female that does exceptional work" and who is "very unassuming." She asked an introducer, Sean, to explain why he had nominated O'Neil.
Sean, who introduced the honoree, recounted about 20 years of service in which O'Neil worked with United Way in Beckley, helped raise funds for schools and charities and repeatedly supported programs without seeking personal credit. "Not once" did she ask "what's in it for me," he said, arguing that her long-standing contributions make her deserving of recognition.
Margaret Ann O'Neil, who accepted the award, said she was "shocked and amazed and so appreciative," and praised colleagues for their work on behalf of children across West Virginia. A presenter read the plaque text aloud: "This Rhododendron Award is proudly presented to Margaret Ann O'Neil. The Rhododendron Award is an initiative of First Lady Kathy Justice," noting the award's purpose is to honor unsung local leaders who improve their communities.
Kathy Justice reflected on meeting people across the state, thanked staff and state troopers for their support, and said the event was the last local engagement until Friday as Gov. Jim Justice's term in the area concludes. Guests offered brief congratulations before the ceremony ended.
The presentation highlighted the First Lady's initiative to spotlight community volunteers and local charitable partners; no formal actions, votes or policy changes were announced at the event.
