STEUBENVILLE — As she prepares to host the 2026 Lee Alexander West Memorial and Awards Service, Cookie West says she’s excited.

Her son, Lee Alexander West, was just 15 and a freshman at Steubenville High School when he died in a house fire 14 years ago.

“It’s incredible how life unfolds,” she said. “What is often seen as the most painful day for a parent — the anniversary of their child’s passing — has transformed into a day I genuinely look forward to, all thanks to the amazing grace of God.”

This year’s celebration will be Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. in the JeffCo Event Center, 256 John Scott Highway.

West said they’ll be handing out seven teacher impact awards — five for general education teachers and two intervention specialists in special education.

They’ll also celebrate Heart Award honorees. That award, begun in 2019, will be awarded to a local first responder — law enforcement personnel, paramedics, EMTs and firefighters, nurses and mental health professionals.

There’s also a special Village Impact award given to an individual or individuals who have helped build “healthy villages” in their community.

“It brings us great joy to celebrate and recognize this year’s recipients for 2026,” she said.

To be honored:

• Teacher Impact Award recipients: Roger Roberts, Buckeye Local Schools; Bonnie Soos, Buckeye Local School District; Olaya Cuervo González, Toronto City School District; Casey Maxon, Buckeye Local School District; Katie Long, Toronto City School District; Jenna Joyce, School of Bright Promise; and Derek Gulling, Edison Local School District.

• Village Impact Award: Amanda Thompson, Sycamore Youth Center.

• Heart Award: Chief Tyler Yoho of the East Springfield Volunteer Fire Department and Squadron 38.