Rec. Sec. Shirley Martin Honored at Make the Grade Awards

DECEMBER 5—TWU Local 100 Recording Secretary Shirley Martin was honored Thursday evening for her years of dedicated union activism and mentorship at the Make the Grade Foundation's holiday gala, held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens.

Sister Martin was presented with a crystal award and a proclamation by "Doctor" Bob Lee, the longtime WBLS radio host who founded Make the Grade. The foundation is a youth-focused organization made up of students, parents, teachers, community and clergy members with the goal of "edification of young minds". The award was presented at the 20th Annual Make the Grade Red Carpet Holiday Gala.

The award comes as no surprise to Local 100 members who know Sister Martin well as an inspiring speaker and mentor who has held many trail-blazing roles within the union including being the first female machinist hired in the Car Equipment Department and Car Equipment Vice President.

"Back in Jamaica, West Indies, where I come from, we used to sponsor the young kids in sports," said Martin upon recieving the award. "I didn't know when I came here that I would be more involved in this. Dr. Bob Lee, I appreciate this, and thank you so much."