BAKERSFIELD, CA-- She was affectionately known as the Mother Teresa of Bakersfield. Tuesday night awards bearing the name of the late Wendy Wayne were given to two Bakersfield residents in the spirit of Wayne's exemplary ethical behavior.
The adult achievement award was given to Bakersfield High School assistant football coach Lance McCullah and was selected for his selfless role in mentoring countless number of students over the years. McCullah has done this while battling drug abuse and recently has been diagnosed with ALS.
"I know that I have made a big turn in my life,” McCullah said. “In my big turn I wanted to impact lives and let people know especially high school kids there are people out there who care about where they end up."
The youth award went to North High School senior Elizabeth Pelzer because she made it her mission to befriend and defend a classmate who was being bullied because of sexual orientation.
"I'm my own person I don't care what anybody thinks about me,” Pelzer said. “I am going to be there for the people that are little, that get pushed down and all that and don't have the people to support them on a daily basis."
Each of the award recipients received a $5,000 donation or scholarship. McCullah decided to donate his $5,000 to BHS.
The adult achievement award was given to Bakersfield High School assistant football coach Lance McCullah and was selected for his selfless role in mentoring countless number of students over the years. McCullah has done this while battling drug abuse and recently has been diagnosed with ALS.
"I know that I have made a big turn in my life,” McCullah said. “In my big turn I wanted to impact lives and let people know especially high school kids there are people out there who care about where they end up."
The youth award went to North High School senior Elizabeth Pelzer because she made it her mission to befriend and defend a classmate who was being bullied because of sexual orientation.
"I'm my own person I don't care what anybody thinks about me,” Pelzer said. “I am going to be there for the people that are little, that get pushed down and all that and don't have the people to support them on a daily basis."
Each of the award recipients received a $5,000 donation or scholarship. McCullah decided to donate his $5,000 to BHS.