The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is delighted to announce the distinguished recipients of The Angel Award® for 2023, a prestigious accolade recognizing exceptional individuals dedicated to enhancing the lives of Louisiana’s children. In its 29th year, The Angel Award celebrates remarkable individuals who have made tangible and enduring contributions to improving outcomes for young people. These honorees exhibit unwavering commitment, even in the face of formidable challenges, to uplift children in the state.

Michael Tipton, President of the Blue Cross Foundation, expressed his admiration for the 10 outstanding individuals selected for the 2023 Angel Award. He stated, “The 2023 Angel Award recipients come from diverse backgrounds and engage in a wide range of community-driven initiatives, spanning healthcare, education, social services, civic education, and more. We are privileged to recognize this exceptional group of champions for children.”

Penny Smith and Melva Terrell Villard, both residents of Alexandria, have earned this honor through their relentless advocacy on behalf of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including their own college-aged daughters. Their dedicated efforts and fundraising endeavors played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Special Program for the Enhancement of Resources and Opportunities for Students with Developmental Disabilities (SPERO) at Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA). SPERO provides a unique higher education experience for young individuals who would otherwise be ineligible for college admission due to their disabilities.