Sept. 28, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Ava Scearce receives Georgia Department of Labor's first Larry Beck Spirit Award 
ATLANTA  State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that Ava Williamson Scearce, the Augusta regional director of the Georgia Department of Labor's Vocational Rehabilitation program, has been named the first recipient of the Larry D. Beck Spirit Award. 
The award will be given annually in memory of the late Larry Beck of Cartersville, who served the Georgia Department of Labor for 34 years, including stints as manager of the Cartersville Career Center and assistant commissioner of the department's rehabilitation services division. Beck, a quadriplegic since the age of 18 when he was injured in a diving accident, died in July at the age of 60. 
"Following his accident, Larry Beck demonstrated that one can overcome the challenges faced by a person with disabilities and have a successful career," said Thurmond. "He helped set the standard for others and made a difference in the lives of Georgians with disabilities by helping them to realize independence through employment. 
"Larry was truly an inspiration for all who knew him," Thurmond continued, "and this award symbolizes his eternal spirit." 
Scearce, who lives in Columbia County, is a 28-year veteran of vocational services in Georgia. Under her leadership, the VR staff in the Augusta region routinely surpass their yearly goals for the number of people with disabilities assisted with finding employment. 
"Ava Scearce exemplifies all the wonderful qualities that Larry Beck inspired in us," Commissioner Thurmond said. "As her record shows, she's dedicated to serving people with disabilities and finding creative ways to help them go to work." 
Scearce developed and coordinates the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Preparation Course used statewide to help counselors study for the national certification exam. She often donates her personal time to assist in this effort. 
(MORE) 
LARRY BECK AWARD  LAST ADD 
 
 She has been instrumental in the implementation of the department's High School/High Tech (HS/HT) program in the Augusta region. HS/HT is a community-based transition and enrichment initiative for high school students with disabilities designed to develop post-secondary opportunities in math, science, and computer technology career fields. 
During the past four years, Scearce has led the Augusta HS/HT program's increase from four students to more than 100. And she has developed 23 employer-community partners to mentor the students and give them work experiences. 
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685 CY-07-356