GIFFORD — Leaders with the Indian River County NAACP recently recognized two veteran instructors, along with the retired county park superintendent, for their longtime commitments in revitalizing the community. The accolades were given during the organization’s 31st Freedom Fund Gala, held in April at the Gifford Community Center.
Retired teachers and social justice advocates Venda Rhea Burgess and Robert L. Temple received the Victor Hart Sr. Community Service Award. Burgess taught for 40 years, while Temple taught for 34 years in the School District of Indian River County.
“I’m always happy to give back to the community. That has been my main objective throughout my life,” said Temple, who previously served as vice-president for the Indian River County NAACP. “Coming up, the community gave me so much. They say it takes a village to raise a child. That’s what happened with me.”
The award is named after Victor Hart Sr. – a former, longtime president of the local NAACP. Hart advocated for the improvement of infrastructures in Gifford, along with clean water and paved streets. The NAACP gives the honor to those who exemplify Hart’s example of service to Gifford, Indian River County and Florida…