ST. LOUIS — Community leader and Lewis and Clark Foundation board member Joan Sheppard is being honored for her dedication and enthusiasm for volunteerism throughout the Greater St. Louis region.
A 2010 recipient of the Athena Award given by the Hellenic Spirit Foundation, Sheppard was one of 12 honorees at a luncheon held at the Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis on Nov. 19, 2010.
"I was surprised and delighted to be chosen for this award," Sheppard said. "I feel fortunate to be involved in this community. It has been very rewarding."
Known for her energy and passion, Hellenic Spirit Foundation President Peter Vaccaro said that Sheppard was selected for her "devotion to community….. and (her) constant striving to ‘be the best she can possibly be.’"
Vaccaro said that these characteristics embody the ethos of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, knowledge, strategy, discipline and art. Sheppard is a tireless community volunteer. She has been involved with such varied organizations as Madison County Urban League, Alton School Board, Lewis and Clark Foundation, Great Rivers Land Trust, Missouri History Museum and Missouri Botanical Garden.