At the ESL Writes event on Thursday, April 18, the Dot Smith Service Award was presented to Steve Stroud and James Jimmerson. Dot Smith taught English as a Second Language at Belmont UMC for many years; she made everyone feel welcome. Steve and James were recognized for the ways they make students feel welcome.

Each Thursday, Steve reads stories and leads discussion for two ESL classes. Learning English is difficult and students appreciate Steve's calm, patient, and supportive demeanor.

One of the stories for the ESL Writes event written by a student was about James' kindness to her on her first day of class at Belmont UMC. James went above and beyond to help this student and, as presenter Mary Jane Duke said, "We may teach the language, but James teaches the way you should treat people by example every day." Congratulations, Steve and James!

Photos by Jerry Park and Louis Jordan.