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SODA honors community members at awards ceremony Southern Oregon Drug Awareness granted its annual community awards this week to five people, businesses or agencies that support the anti-drug agency's goals. The award ceremony marked the start of Red Ribbon Awareness Week, as well as SODA's 21st year. Honorees included the following people, businesses and agencies: Irene Aviles, an Eagle Point High School student, received the Sarah Corson Award for Community Service. The award is granted to a young person with a consistent history of service to other youth. Medford Police Officer Richard Renfro received the Meritorious Law Enforcement Award. The award is granted to a law enforcement officer, unit or department that has made an extraordinary effort to prevent underage use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Renfro has been in charge of a program that has reduced sales of alcohol to underage buyers from 72 to 12.5 percent in three years. LTM Inc. of Medford received the Meritorious Workplace Award, private sector division. Don Skundrick, vice president of the firm, accepted the award, given to a private business that has worked to reduce substance abuse in the workplace. The Jackson County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Bob Kennedy were honored with the Lyman Faulkner Award for Advocacy. The award is given to a youth, adult or agency that makes a difference in the region by advocating for change in community standards or attitudes. Tom Cole, executive director of Kids Unlimited of Southern Oregon, received the Community Enhancement Award. The award is granted to an adult who has made a difference in the local community. Cole was recognized for his efforts to reach at-risk youth through programs of Kids Unlimited and VIBES Main 1, an under-21 dance club in Medford. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.