WKU Honors Family Of The Year during Parent and Family Weekend

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University freshman Candice Lewis and her guardians William and Pamela Dickerson of Louisville were honored Saturday as the Western Kentucky University Family of the Year.

Even though the Dickersons are not her biological parents, "they are the only family that I know," Lewis said.

"We consider it an honor and don't take it lightly," William Dickerson said of the award. "We were just helping a friend and weren't expecting anything like this."

Lewis, a friend of the Dickersons' daughter, moved in with the family this summer. At the time, Lewis said she had changed her mind about going to college and didn't have the money to pay college expenses.

"They talked to me about college and paid for me to speak with a counselor about it," Lewis said in her nomination letter. "I eventually changed my mind and decided that I would follow the dream that I've had since 
nine years old to go to college."

The Dickersons paid for her orientation, housing deposit, meal plan and MASTER Plan registration. They helped her move into the residence hall and stayed to help her organize her room.

"They've always been there for me and now I can show them how fortunate and blessed I am to have them in my life," Lewis said.

The family was recognized Saturday evening at the WKU vs. Central Arkansas football game as part of Parent and Family Weekend. 
               

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