During their February 2023 meeting, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees voted in favor of the following resolution honoring Blind Worker of the Year the 2023 recipient of the Salmon Award, Jena Smith. 

WHEREAS, Mrs. Jena Smith has been named Blind Worker of the Year by Alabama Industries for the Blind, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith is the 2023 recipient of the Salmon Award, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith began working at Alabama Industries for the Blind in 2010 after completing a vocational program at E. H. Gentry Facility, and

WHEREAS, upon beginning to work at Alabama Industries for the Blind, Mrs. Smith was assigned to the production team where she manufactured sewn goods, and

WHEREAS, today, Mrs. Smith is a proud member of the necktie line, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith is married to Mr. Charles (Chuck) Smith whom she met during their time at E. H. Gentry Facility, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith and her husband proudly own a home where they live independently with their cat, June Bug, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith sings in her church choir and is heavily involved in church theater, bible study, and an annual “afternoon of praise” fundraiser for local charities, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith, with the spirit of an adventurer, loves exploring new areas and would like to learn to operate a chainsaw, and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith is a dedicated and adaptable employee who is adored by her co-workers.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees congratulates Mrs. Smith for a job well done in demonstrating the limitless spirit of AIDB in being awarded the Salmon Award.  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Smith and a copy be spread across the minutes of this meeting.

DONE this 21^st day of February 2023.