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STEUBENVILLE -- For the past 12 years family and friends of the late Lee Alexander West have gathered to remember him in a way his mother, Alexandra "Cookie" West, said he would have appreciated -- by celebrating those in the community who go the extra mile to help others.
West said Lee, just 15 and a freshman at Steubenville High School when he perished in a 2012 house fire, was "always ready to step up" to help others, "and as long as I have breath in my body we will continue to let his voice be heard."
During the past 12 years the Lee Alexander West Spiritual Movement has recognized literally dozens of area residents who've gone above and beyond to build a better, stronger community.
"We continue to celebrate and honor teachers, community (members) and first responders," she said. "Lee's legacy didn't fade, his heart continues to beat all over this county."
Honorees at this year's observance, set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the JeffCo Event Center, 256 John Scott Highway, include:
• Teacher Impact Awards: Jessie Clark, Amanda Coldabella, Danica Guthri, Christina Henderson and Samantha Fornsaglio;
• Village Impact Award: The Bay Six Project (Bobby and Stacey Westfall); and
• Heart Award: Wintersville Fire and Rescue
The celebration is open to the public, she said.