“I was humbled that my community service was noticed enough… to win this award,” Jones said as she addressed the large crowd.
“She carries herself with grace and class that I admire,” said former Venango County commissioner Bob Murray. “She is one of the best people I know.”
Murray nominated Jones for the award after working alongside of her in county government and more recently with the Northwest Hospital Foundation. He offered his comments as part of a video presentation about Jones made for the evening.
Jeff Polley, who is related to Jones, credits her heart of service to her parents and her upbringing. “Her parents’ home was the hub of activity…,” Polley said of their childhood. He recalled how Jones, her sister and mother would tend to the crowds gathered at their home and make sure everyone had what they needed.
“I watched Denise carry that same attitude into serving her community,” Polley said.
“Venango County is where I thrived,” Jones said. It is also the place where she and her husband Russell raised their children Michelle and Chuck.
Jones also took a few moments to share some of the advice she passed on during her commencement speech at Franklin High School last spring.
“I believe I’ve done that,” she said. “I’m just overwhelmed, seriously. I’m just so grateful,” Jones said as she closed her remarks. “God is good to me.” |