May 1, 2003

TSU graduate Hawkins receives 'Heart of Gold' Award

Troy State University graduate and reigning Miss Mobile Kelly Hawkins recently received Volunteer Mobile’s “Heart of Gold” award for Health and Welfare. The award was presented at the organization’s 22nd annual awards luncheon, under the theme “Celebrate Volunteers…The Spirit of America.”

Hawkins, a 2002 graduate of TSU with a bachelor’s degree in English, was chosen from approximately 50 nominees for the award, marking the first time a Miss Mobile representative has received the honor. She was nominated for the award by Mobile’s Penelope House, a center that assists victims of domestic violence and provides prevention education programs. Hawkins, who will represent Mobile in the Miss Alabama Pageant in June, is playing a major role in several child abuse prevention programs, including the proposal and adoption of HB262: the Mandatory Clergy Reporting Bill.

She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hawkins Jr. of Troy.