After attending the annual Colorado Association of School Boards' regional fall meeting, Dolores School Board member Vangie McCoy came away with a special honor.

It was an award called McGuffey Award, and with it came a carved red stone apple. It is placed among other awards in her Cortez office.

McCoy went to the regional meeting and had no idea she would walk away with the award, which honors board members' committed and passionate service. Each district may nominate a board member.

"It was a surprise," McCoy said. "I've been to a bunch of these. People get these every year, but never people on our board."

McCoy has served on the Dolores School Board of Education for five years. She has seen the passage of the school bond, a huge construction project and a bit of controversy over the Confederate flag. It hasn't been easy, and the award means a lot to her.

"It validates the time and energy I put into the board work because it is a big commitment," she said. "It is sort a pat on the back that this is time well spent."

McCoy is the Montelores Early Childhood Council coordinator in her day job, and in the district, she's often the voice of the youngest children.

"I am passionate about early childhood education," she said. "I want all kids to succeed, and I know their fearly start makes them successful in school. The way we start kids out really sets them up for future success."

McCoy has worked in education for 30 years, and in early childhood education for the past five.

Fellow board members congratulated McCoy at their Oct. 14 meeting. Deanna Truelsen was happy to see her win it.

"She is wonderful, she deserves that award, she has worked really hard," Truelsen said.