HONOREE — Anna Gillespie, seated center, of Colliers was honored as one of West Virginia’s Outstanding Democrats of the Year at the Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner celebration held recently in Charleston. With her are, seated left, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., keynote speaker at the event, and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin III; and standing, John Perdue, W.Va. state treasurer, and Belinda Biafore, W.Va. Democratic Party chairwoman. -- Contributed

COLLIERS — Anna Gillespie of Colliers was honored as one of West Virginia’s Outstanding Democrats of the Year, receiving tributes from Democrats assembled at the Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner celebration held recently in Charleston.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin III joined with Democratic leaders from throughout West Virginia in honoring Gillespie, who was selected by local county leaders for her “hard work and dedication” to the Democratic Party in Brooke County.

The dinner honors a “Democrat of the Year” from every county in West Virginia.

Gillespie was elected president of the West Virginia Federation of Democratic Women during it annual convention held in September. She has been first vice president and Northwest Regional director for the WVFDW and has been a member and chairman of many state committees.

Locally, Gillespie has been a member of the Brooke County Democratic Women for several decades and has served on many committees as well as offices for the local club. She has served as president of the BCDW for several terms as well and currently is its corresponding secretary.

Karen Coria, a Putnam County Democratic leader and coordinator of the 34th-annual awards ceremony, noted the award was established to recognize local party officials and volunteers whom Democratic leaders feel have contributed most to the party’s efforts.

“Our goal is to recognize these special people who have distinguished themselves by contributing to our society, by working within the framework of our democracy and political party system,” Coria said.

Joining Manchin and Coria in acknowledging the honoree were state Treasurer John Perdue, state Executive Committee Chair Belinda Biafore and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., keynote speaker at the event.

Gillespie was honored with special recognition and presentations by party officials.

“The efforts of the honoree demonstrate the importance of the work of every individual in affecting the outcome of local, state and national races,” Coria said.

These people are the truly effective party workers,” Coria added.