Leon Bailey, anative of Wilkes County, took his latest copy of The News- Reporter to Austin, Texas, where he was honored on September 18 by the Texas State Board of Education (TBOE) as one of 15 Texans recognized as "2009 Heroes for Children" for their dedication and commitment as volunteers in Texas public schools.

While Bailey was a resident of Wilkes County, he served three years in the Georgia National Guard. After moving to Texas in 1951, he served two years in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

Bailey, a retired Sam Houston Electric Cooperative employee of Livingston, Texas, has been "a constant and positive role model for the students in Livingston Independent School District for more than 20 years," according to a statement issued by the TBOE.

Bailey also served about 20 years as a firefighter with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department and was honored with the first Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award in 1964.

Bailey volunteers each year to mentor a child who otherwise might have no contact with outside community members, needs a male role model, or struggles with self esteem or academic issues.

"His dedication is unsurpassed in the mentor program at Timber Creek Elementary School," said Principal Kyle Rice. "He is an inspiration to new mentors coming in each fall. He helps them get acquainted with how things work and doubles as a mentor to new mentors as well."

In 1994, Bailey was the recipient of the Polk County Senior Citizen of the Year award for his continued dedication and support of area committees. He has served on the Polk County Child Welfare Board working with foster children and their foster families since 1993 and is the oldest member continuing to serve on the committee. He has worked in the Sunday School of the First United Methodist Church, Livingston, as a teacher of 3- and 4-year-olds for the last 15 years and has served as mentor for other youth in the church.

"I feel my helping out with the children in our community has kept me young at heart," Bailey said. "This is an area of my life that I will serve as long as I am able to do so."

This News-Reporter is 910 miles from home.