AARP Montana Announces 2009 Andrus Award Winner

Dr. Doris Balko recognized for her Dedication and Commitment to Volunteerism with AARP’s Most Prestigious Volunteer Award for Community Service

AARP Montana announced that Dr. Doris Balko has been selected to receive the 2009 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others.

The award was formally presented to Dr. Balko at a ceremony in Kalispell in October. In presenting the award, AARP Montana State Director Bob Bartholomew said, “it’s a pleasure to present this award to Dr. Doris Balko, a woman who has given of herself to make an important difference in the lives of others. Her spirit of service has left an indelible mark on her community. AARP Montana selected Dr. Balko for her remarkable record of volunteerism.”

Dr. Doris Balko received her Doctorate in special education with an emphasis on blind and visually impaired students. Her long and distinguished career spanned 44 years as an educator in both public and private schools. Dr. Balko is the immediate past president of the Western Montana Retired Educators Association in Missoula as well as the past State President of Alpha Delta Kappa—an international honorary teacher’s organization.

As a dedicated AARP volunteer, Dr. Balko has served in many leadership roles including the State Legislative Committee and the Utilities Action Team. She was an instrumental member of AARP’s Divided We Fail volunteer team working to advance the issue of health care reform in the national debate.

As a leader in her community, Dr. Balko has received many awards over her lifetime including Missoula’s Brightest Star award for teaching excellence and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin. She has been selected twice to become a member of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. In 2005 she received the national With Our Youth Award sponsored by AARP and the National Retired Teachers Association.

Dr. Balko has served on many boards including the Foundation Board for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through their service, are significantly enhancing the lives of others, improving their communities and inspiring others to volunteer. A recipient from each state is chosen annually to receive the Andrus Award.

“As one who has devoted her life to giving back to others, Dr. Doris Balko is known for her tireless service, dedication to her community and the positive impact she has had on the lives of others. These qualities have earned her the 2009 AARP Montana Andrus Award for Community Service,” said Bartholomew. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve. This award serves as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change.”