Emma Frank “Frankie” Bowers has always found time to help other people. That is a very brief way of summing up why she was selected as the C.I.T.Y. Program’s 2008 Citizen of the Year.

Bowers is the 11th person to receive the designation, and will be honored Oct. 27 at the C.I.T.Y. Program of Chilton County Citizen of the Year Banquet, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Alabama Power Conference Center.

“I am pleased with the work Mrs. Bowers has done,” Judge Rhonda Hardesty, past recipient of the award, said yesterday. “She has always worked really well with me, especially when it comes to tutoring or anything I’ve needed help with.”

Bowers’ career in education has transcended many subject areas, as well as political boundaries. She began teaching in Texas and taught in an adult education program for the Army while in Germany with her husband.

Her first venture in Chilton County was to teach in special education. She then moved on to teaching government and sociology at Chilton County High School, and taught sociology and psychology for George Wallace Junior College as well.

Bowers served as principal of Jemison K-12 School for eight years. After retiring from the school system, she became director of the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, where she served for two years.

Bowers volunteers in transporting juveniles for counseling and psychiatric appointments, and tutors both adults and children to obtain their GED. She also coordinates yard sales for families in need to shop free.

She is active in her church, teaching Sunday School and serving as vice president of Alabama WMU. She has gone on voluntary mission trips to Spain, Ukraine, Venezuela and the Caribbean.

Other areas of service include: Music Appreciation Club of Clanton, Study Club of Clanton, Business and Professional Women’s Club, Clanton Gardenette, Delta Kappa Gamma for teachers, Chilton County Historical Society, University of Alabama Alumni Association, Chilton-Clanton Public Library, Clanton Beautification Board, Daughters of American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Chilton Education Foundation, Clanton Historical Committee, First Baptist Church, Juniorette Club and Families First.

Bowers is also a past recipient of the Woman of the Year Award given by the Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Banquet tickets are $10 each and may be obtained from the C.I.T.Y. Program, 26 Second Ave. S., Clanton, or at the door.

For more information, or to purchase ads for the program that will be given out at the banquet, call 755-2779.