The Board of Education on Wednesday night celebrated longtime school volunteer and former school board trustee Cory Smegal, presenting her with the Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year Award in front of friends and family.
Smegal’s commitment to public service is a family affair. Her in-laws, school and community supporters Tom and Sue Smegal (herself a former school board member and Art Hecht Award winner), her husband Tom (now serving as a volunteer Park Commissioner) and sister-in-law Piedmont Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen were all in attendance. Former school board member Hilary Cooper, Smegal’s son Tommy, former Mayor Jen Cavenaugh, and Smegal’s sister shared anecdotes and appreciation for her work over the years.
Smegal said her mother-in-law’s leadership was a model for her volunteerism. “[Sue] inspired in me, in Betsy, and in her son, just giving back … supporting things that are meaningful to us. You showed us that all the time. Thank you for being such a strong example of leadership and involvement and community support,” she said, before thanking her friends and the larger school community for the award.
The award is given annually to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the community and to Piedmont’s youth through years of dedicated volunteer service.