By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The city of Montevallo’s third annual Mayor’s Breakfast honored four hometown heroes at the American Village Oct. 12.

Mayor Ben McCrory introduced the event’s keynote speaker, Montevallo native Dr. Taylor Lawrence, vice president of Raytheon Company and president of Raytheon’s missile systems.

McCrory presented Lawrence with one of the four Hometown Heroes awards.

“Receiving the Hometown Heroes award is a tremendous honor,” Lawrence said.

Sharon Anderson was the second award recipient.

“For many here today, Sharon may best be known for her 22 years of selfless, dedicated service as a member of our City Council from 1986-2004 and, after that, as mayor from 2004-2008,” McCrory said.

During her tenure, Anderson helped found the American Village, secure grants for city improvements, build and complete the Parnell Memorial Library, initiated Arbor Day and helped secure Montevallo as the site for the Alabama National Cemetery.

“Working in Montevallo was a very important part of my life. That gave great meaning to me,” Anderson said. “You’re the real heroes. I thank you for letting me be part of the city of Montevallo.”

Sgt. Grady Parker, another former Montevallo mayor, also received the award. Parker served in World War II and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and a Five-Star Medal.

Parker became the assistant postmaster for 22 years in Montevallo and a “dedicated public servant” in local government for 32 years, with eight as mayor, McCrory said.

Dr. Elizabeth “Libbie” Rodgers, the final recipient, joined the Alabama College, now University of Montevallo, faculty in 1966 and retired in 1995.

Rodgers has served the community in a number of capacities from the American Association of University Women to the Montevallo Study Club. She was a founding member of the Parnell Memorial Library Foundation and directed the campaign to launch the campaign to build the current library. She is also a founding member of the Montevallo Arts Council.

“It’s been an honor to build the community together,” Rodgers said. “Thank you so much for his honor.”