MARTINSBURG, WV (October 3, 2024) — On October 9, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP)’s founder, Valerie (Val) Smith, was named a 2024 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital at the annual Women of Distinction luncheon in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Smith was recognized for her tremendous efforts to serve the Eastern Panhandle. She co-founded CASA-EP over twenty years ago and was instrumental in the organization’s growth. Today, the organization serves over 400 children and families throughout Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.
For 20 years, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital has recognized and celebrated outstanding women in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and, with the Women of Distinction recognition, fostered awareness of community initiatives.
In honoring Smith, the organization shared, “Val Smith epitomizes the essence of a Woman of Distinction, dedicating four decades to advocating for the vulnerable in her community with grace, humor, and unyielding determination. Her passion for community service remains unwavering, inspiring her family and community to follow her example of proactive engagement against injustice.”
In 2020, Smith earned her inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award, later renamed in her honor.
“Val Smith is a visionary – someone who saw in CASA-EP what could be for our area’s most vulnerable, and through her dedication and support, CASA-EP has grown to become a trusted and reliable resource to those navigating the foster care system,” says Michelle Sudduth, Executive Director of CASA-EP. “We congratulate Val on this very deserving honor, and more importantly, we thank her for the dedication and enthusiasm she brings to our organization and the people we serve.”
To learn more about CASA-EP and how you can serve, please visit www.mycasaep.org.
