By Pat Lawrence
Helen Blair |
Helen Blair defies any senior stereotype that might be harbored
by the uninitiated. Slim, always fashionably attired, and highly
computer literate, she writes and produces the substantial quarterly
news bulletin and most of the publicity, brochures and informational
literature distributed at her chosen workplace. At 88, Helen
is a full time volunteer for the Garnet Career Center.
She retired from Blue Cross Hospital Services fifteen years ago,
enrolling in the latest computer courses the first week of her retirement. “I
came here to take a few classes – and stayed.” She
has become an integral part of the Garnet Center team, as committed
and dedicated to the students and their education as any staff member.
Helen originally attended schools in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Now,
proficient in computer graphics and word processing, Helen is the
career center’s resident expert on Word Perfect. Business
students (and teachers) rely on her expertise and experience. Four
years ago, the school prepared a spacious office for her. Students
from 18-60 know to find Helen if they have a question and the teacher
is working with another student.
Helen remains active. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church
and the Charleston Woman’s Club. An avid cyclist for years,
she recently decided it would be best to sell her bicycle. “It’s
too hard to resist the temptation to take it out for a ride!”
Garnet teachers and staff are quick to note Helen’s contributions,
which go far beyond the usual volunteer assistance. Russ Harbour,
a Business Education teacher who also taught when Helen first came
to Garnet, says, “Helen is a professional business person
and an excellent role model. She likes things done right and
right away. We keep her on her toes and she keeps us on the move!”
Helen’s title of Coordinator of Public Relations encompasses
an array of duties from letters and posters to reporting departmental
work and preparing the student handbook. She rarely misses a
day and takes off only when the Center is closed for breaks. She
keeps her computer skills current, regularly updating her repertoire
of new programs. At home, she likes to browse online, checking
out the latest fashions.
Garnet’s principal, Jorea Marple, echoes the sentiments of
students, staff and all those who benefit from the quality and quantity
of Helen’s working contribution. “It means a lot
when you have professional help from the community. And, besides
how much she brings to us in work and experience, Helen is an inspiration
to all of us to live long, healthy, productive lives.”
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