 Carlene Frederick has served her county in various ways over the years. She has given
her time and her talents freely so that her county might become a better place to live.
Carlene has served on many different boards within the school and community. She has also helped plan and organize many
events. However, she is probably best known for her work with the Calhoun County Tobacco Prevention Coalition. She
has been the coordinator for this project since 1994.
The West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention through the Center funds tobacco prevention coalitions for Disease
Control (CDC). Every year since the inception of the Calhoun Coalition, Carlene has applied for and been awarded a
tobacco prevention grant. These grants enabled her to help reduce tobacco use and stop the early onset of first use among
youth in her county. Over the years, she has brought thousands of grant dollars into our county. She has used this money in
the schools and the community to fight the cause.
As many of Carlene's colleagues already know, she does much of this work for free. Tobacco coalitions are funded on a
small budget for one fiscal year. Carlene almost always runs out of money to pay her salary but she continues to work until
the grant year is completed. She has absorbed many out of pocket expenses so that the tobacco coalition could be
successful.
Carlene's tobacco prevention coalition hosts many annual events. For example, every year she takes a teen tobacco group
and supervisors camping at her personal camp. She does all the work in preparing for the camping trip and the clean up
afterwards. In the fall, she coordinates the Drug Free Olympic Day. Last year this event was held at the Middle/High
School and several children participated. Every February, the coalition hosts an annual awards ceremony. Members of the
coalition, as well as community members, and organizations are recognized for their support in fighting tobacco.
Michelle Stevens, from the American Cancer Society, has a special message to send to Carlene. Michelle serves the whole
state of West Virginia. Her message is, "Carlene, you are one of life's blessings! You've touched so many lives by your
countless hours of hard work (even without pay). I've never met anyone so dedicated to helping others. For some, this is a
job; but for you, this is a passion! There's no words to describe our gratitude. Thank you for all you've done."
Michelle is just one of the many people that are thankful for Carlene and her dedication.
Photo courtesy of Calhoun County Schools
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