Lee West is remembered as well-liked 15-year-old who had a bright future ahead of him, a young man who was willing to share his enthusiasm for life and all of its potential with everyone in the community.

An honors student and a multi-sport athlete at Steubenville High School, his life was cut short in a fatal house fire on Jan. 31, 2012.

West carried with him a fondness for everyone who helped him, and that spirit has been carried forward by his mother, Cookie West, who has joined with family members and friends to hold the Lee Alexander West Memorial and Awards Service.

This year’s event took place Jan. 31 at the JeffCo Event Center.

The evening was a chance to celebrate West’s life and to recognize members of the community who work to improve the quality of life of area residents.

Receiving educator awards were Katie Long and Olaya Cuervo Gonzales of the Toronto City School District, Jenna Joyce of the School of Bright Promise, Derek Gulling of the Edison Local School District and Casey Maxon, Roger Roberts and Bonnie Soos of the Buckeye Local School District.

Receiving the Heart Award was Tyler Yoho, chief of the East Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, and receiving the Village Impact Award was Amanda Thompson of the Sycamore Youth Center.

The names of this year’s honorees have been added to an impressive list. According to Cookie West, since the L.A.W.S. Movement was established in 2013, 70 teachers have been recognized, 25 first responders have earned the Heart Award and seven individuals have received the Village Impact Award.

While the evening annually represents an opportunity to remember a life that ended too soon, it’s also a chance to look ahead and recognize those in the community whose efforts help to keep the spirit of Lee West alive. Congratulations to this year’s honorees and to all involved with the West program.