We are thrilled to send our collective CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Caroline Korte! She was honored earlier today as this year’s recipient of The Ladd Mathis Award by the United Way of Paducah/McCracken County!
Each year the United Way presents a very special award in honor of Mr. Ladd Mathis. Mr. Mathis was a 25+ year employee of Martin Marietta (USEC). He served as a Loaned Executive and was a devoted supporter of United Way for many years. Mr. Mathis was a well-respected civic leader who lost his battle with lung cancer at the age of 53. But he left this community a legacy of service. The Ladd Mathis Award is given each year to an individual in our community who has embodied the care and commitment to Paducah and McCracken County that Mr. Mathis did. The Ladd Mathis Award is the highest form of recognition our United Way can give to an outstanding community member.
Caroline is a former United Way board member and leadership donor since the inception of the donor tracking system in 2008. She volunteered for the original PALS pilot program at McNabb Elementary. She was paired with her original student when they were in the second grade. Caroline mentored that student through graduation at PTHS. She adopted a new second grader this school.
United Way's Ann Bidwell said "There are countless stories of Caroline going above and beyond to assist her students outside of school. My favorite story is how Caroline worked with her student's part-time job management team to solve transportation and employment coaching needs. She is always the first to offer something for students - the WOW Wagon celebration treats to contributions for graduation gifts. Caroline leads by example."