When the Golden Triangle Sertoma Club presented Dr. Mary Jean George, Port Arthur Independent School District trustee, the District Service to Mankind Award, 2008, the club simply stated they wanted to commend her continued work in the community.

The district award is a step above the local Sertoma Club award.

“This award is a small token to show Dr. George that her unselfish, benevolent work does not go unnoticed,” a press release read.

This award originated in 1954 and is the highest honor to be bestowed upon a non-member. The recipient must show unwavering conviction their volunteerism is making a difference in the community.

George began volunteering in the PTA in the PAISD at Edison Middle School and then Thomas Jefferson High School. She served as president at Sam Houston Elementary and president of District 5 PTA. This led to the Texas PTA, serving as a member of the board of directors, chair of educational relations committee and treasurer and historian.

She was also selected as a member of the Advisory Committee to the State Board of Education and a member of the Committee to Study School Choice within Public Schools and the Long Range Planning Committee.

George was first elected as a trustee to the PAISD board in 1981. She also served as president of the board. She co-chaired the Sabine Neches Administrator and School Board Association from 1997-1999, the Texas Association of School Boards and as a master trustee in the Graduate Leadership Program from 1998-1999.

In addition, she served on the Facilities Planning Committee, the Committee to Support the Bond Election and co-chaired the Bond Election Committee in 2007-2008. She was elected back to the board of trustee of the PAISD in 2008. She is also a charter member of the Port Arthur Public Schools Foundation.

George is also active in church, teaching Sunday school, chairing committees related to finance and personnel. She currently serves as the church assistant treasurer. She’s active in Camp Fire Girls and Rotary Club, too.

George said she was honored, thrilled and humbled at receiving the award.

“It’s really exciting that a group like this recognizes you. So many people involved deserve at least half, or maybe all of this award. You can’t do anything at all without help. I appreciate this organization all they do,” she said.

dball@panews.com