FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – Dr. Hollie Cost received the David Mathews Center for Civic Life’s 2019 Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award at the Mathews Center’s fourth annual Civic Institute Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 16 at the American Village.

The Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award annually recognizes an Alabama community leader who has empowered others in the spirit of Jean O’Connor-Snyder, who served as a mentor for the Capstone Men and Women of the University of Alabama during the 1970s.

Her commitment to community, service and excellence deeply impacted the young men and women she mentored.

The Mathews Center honors her life and legacy through a statewide undergraduate internship program and through the annual Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award.

Recipients of the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award must demonstrate a record of serving their communities while encouraging and empowering others to be active, engaged members of society.

Award winners are epitomized by their unique ability to uncover the potential in others.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award recipients demonstrate a commitment to finding the worth in everyone and empowering others to use their talents to improve their communities.

Cost serves as mayor of the city of Montevallo and professor of special education at the University of Montevallo.

Cost has been instrumental in facilitating civic education initiatives for Montevallo’s youth through initiatives such as Students’ Institute and the Montevallo Junior City Council, which has received national acclaim for its innovation and unapologetic delegation of responsibilities among local youth.

“Mayor Cost embodies the spirit of the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award,” Mathews Center’s Executive Director Cristin Brawner said. “We admire Mayor Cost’s undying commitment to engaging her community, and particularly elevating youth voices in decision making and action. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the 2019 Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award.”