AWARDS
State
- Bounce Back Award (2006)
- Certificate of Exceptional Merit from the Alliance for Children and Co-Sponsors (April 2004)
- Legislator of the Year Award by West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. (2004)
- National Association of Social Worker - Legislator of the Year Award (2003)
- Angel Award (2002)
- West Virginia Public Health Association, Dental Section Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding support, assistance and - dedication to the ideals of Public Health Dentistry (2002).
- Governor's Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding contribution to the Family Violence Coordinating Council (1999)
- WV FREE Award for Legislative Courage and Leadership in the Protection of Reproductive Freedom (1998).
- West Virginia Trial Lawyers - President's Award for Legislative Service (1997).
- WV Office of Emergency Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency Charter Member of the Honorable Order of the Muddy Boot for dedicated serviced and commitment to the citizens of West Virginia during the floods of 1996 (1996).
- Farm Resource Center Volunteer of the Year Award (1996)
- WV Troopers Association Appreciation Award in recognition and appreciation of outstanding performance and dedication. (1996)
- Friends of Kids Honor Roll selected by the Coalition for West Virginia's Children based on Key voting record , Legislation introduced, Leadership, Research and Accessibility/Responsiveness as a Legislator (1996).
- Corma Mowrey Memorial Award by the West Virginia Education Association (1994)
- WV FREE Certificate of Appreciation for courage and conviction in the preservation of reproductive freedom for the women of West Virginia (1994).