Shepherdstown Day Care received the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle’s first annual “Outstanding Partner Award” at the organization’s recent annual meeting.

The award, which recognizes creative solutions to community challenges, was given jointly to SDC and its partners in United For Thriving Children, a working group of three childcare centers formed to seek fresh answers to common problems facing early childhood educators. Norborne Preschool and Day Care of Martinsburg and Children First Child Development Center in Kearneysville are the other centers in the partnership.

United For Thriving Children was formed four years ago to coordinate efforts in enrolling and educating low-income children, enabling them to start school ready and eager to learn.

Data the group has collected indicate that the approach is very effective. A high percentage of children leaving the centers’ programs are well prepared to enter kindergarten and for subsequent success in elementary school.

This award also validates the community service the center provides, said Patty Martineau, SDC Board President, who nominated the group for the award.

The award was sponsored by the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce and Panhandle Magazine. Executives of the Panhandle’s three Chamber of Commerce formed the selection committee for the new award.