HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — TEAM for West Virginia Children presented Marilyn Murdock with its annual Service to Children Award on May 18th, 2023, at the Guyan Country Club in Huntington. The celebration featured a 1950s drive-in theme and included a variety of music, food, and fun.  The Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, part of the Mountain Health Network, was the presenting sponsor.

“This year, TEAM is honoring Marilyn as she represents the finest of what our community and our state has to offer, a living example of serving children in various capacities—as a public school teacher and as a volunteer,” said Laurie McKeown, executive director of TEAM for West Virginia Children.

Marilyn’s history of giving back to her community is extensive, with a career that includes 22 years of teaching, over two decades volunteering at Cabell Huntington Hospital, and implementing the Brain Under Construction Zone at the Mother/Baby unit. She has been particularly focused on supporting and educating new parents on the importance of the first few years of a child’s life.

“As an educator, I had many students whose home life was less than perfect, and that showed up in their performance in the classroom. I knew that had they had a stronger start in life, things would have been different for them,” Marilyn said. “I just did what I thought needed to be done. I am very honored and humbled to be receiving this honor.”

TEAM for West Virginia Children shares Marilyn’s commitment to providing parents and communities with the tools needed to create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for kids. Through its network of programs—including Healthy Families Mountain State, Western Regional CASA, Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia, Partners in Community Outreach, and the West Virginia Infant/Toddler Mental Health Association—TEAM is working to advocate for children, educate the public, and build family-friendly communities where all children can thrive.

You can read more here.