(AUSTIN) - May 20, 2008: Julie Gardner of Gatesville was presented the Governor's 2008 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award today in recognition of her service in providing education to inmates incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The award was presented by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Oliver Bell, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston during a ceremony held in Austin. Gardner is one of 15 individuals and 4 organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole or probation.

Gardner was presented with the Windham School District’s "Judy Burd" Award, recognizing her volunteer work in teaching classes on women's health issues on various TDCJ units. The three-hour class is offered twice a day, every 30 days, with more than 50 offenders attending each session. The course covers general nutrition and making healthy food choices, healthy menus for families and other important health information.

"Empowering people to make a difference in their own lives through education is not only a part of my job as a county extension agent with Texas AgriLife Extension, but also as a volunteer," Gardner said.";After speaking at my first Windham class, I found the offenders interested, inquisitive and determined to make their lives better, thus the reason for my returning time after time to TDCJ to volunteer";

Gardner also provides an in-service class every 60 days to TDCJ staff on a variety of topics.

Gardner is a graduate of Tarleton State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and a Master of Education degree in Education Administration. She is both a certified passenger safety technician and certified food safety instructor.

Gardner, who has lived in Gatesville for nine years, is active in the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce, Gatesville Exchange Club, and Coryell County Youth Fair and is a member of Hay Valley Baptist Church. She and her husband, Jim, have two daughters: Kinsey, 4, and Kinlee, 20 months.

The "Judy Burd" Award is named in honor of former Windham School District curriculum specialist Judy Burd. She developed the nationally recognized prerelease program CHANGES, and also served as WSD Volunteer Program Coordinator.

Volunteer Julie Gardner (center) is congratulated by Governor Rick Perry in Austin at the 13th Annual Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards.  They are shown with (left) Chairman Oliver Bell of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and (right) TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston. Gardner volunteers through the Windham School District and offers presentations on health, diet, and nutrition to female offenders in the Gatesville area. 

Windham School District staff honored volunteer Julie Gardner on May 20 as recipient of the Judy Burd Award for her work with female offenders in Gatesville.  Gardner (center) is shown with (l. to r.) WSD Transitional Services Coordinator Jan Herklotz, husband and Gatesville Unit Principal Jim Gardner, and WSD Superintendent Debbie Roberts.