When Judy Burgoon does something, she gives her all, and she makes other people feel special while she's doing it. So say members of the Greenwood Business and Professional Women's Club.
Burgoon was named the club's 2003 Woman of Achievement at a banquet Thursday night at the Greenwood Country Club.
A tearful Burgoon said, "I don't know what I've done to deserve this.
"I swear I have never been more floored in my entire life," she said. "Speechless is not the word."
BPW President Pat Verhage said Burgoon joined the club a year ago and jumped in with both feet and ran. "She has been fully dedicated to our causes and is a very hard worker."
Burgoon said it was her sister-in-law, Becky Avant, who introduced her to BPW. She said she always heard Avant talk about the work the club was doing. "I wanted to help with that. I wanted to help other women and myself have better work places and better hours."
"Like many talented, capable, self-sacrificing and thoroughly committed people, she is the only one here who is not fully aware of just how terrific she is," said Elaine Tharpe, club secretary, who presented the award. "I hope this award convinces her.
"While she is new to clubs and organizations, she has proved herself to be willing and ready to face challenges, as shown by serving as treasurer of the Greenwood BPW and chair of tonight's banquet," Tharpe said.
"Cynical folks believe that human beings delight in cutting each other down to size, in criticizing and finding fault," Tharpe said. "Not true of this year's honoree.
"Instead, the following words are more befitting," she said. "People may forget what you said. They may even forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
Tharpe said nothing gives Burgoon more pleasure than helping others, delivering praise and making another person feel special and appreciated.
Burgoon works for the Leflore County Unit System, where she is secretary for 47 men.
Burgoon is a graduate of Greenwood High School and the youngest of 10 children.
Through the years, she has worked for the Greenwood Leflore Hospital lab, the Leflore County Courthouse and Coca-Cola.
She is married to attorney Jim Burgoon. They have two children, Tara and Chase, and one granddaughter, Casey. The Burgoons are members of North Greenwood Baptist Church.
