Submitted by Laura Ann Ketter,  Program Coordinator, Vantage Point Area Agency on Aging   
Christine M. Carmichael, Vantage Point and Family Caregiver Advisory Council Member and Silver Haired Legislative (Pee Dee Area Caucus) – Secretary/Treasurer/ Board Representative, was the recipient of the 2012 Volunteer in Aging Award presented at the SE4A Conference in Asheville, North Carolina on September 10, 2012.  
Also, Joanne Metrick, retired Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging staff, was the recipient of the Jayne Kennedy in Excellence Award.
Out of the eight southeastern states, South Carolina had the two biggest winners.  
Ms. Carmichael was nominated by Vantage Point Program Coordinator Laura Ann Ketter.
The Southeastern Association of AAAs (SE4A) was organized in 1973 by several Area Agencies in the Southeast Region, which included representatives from eight states and was a result of their concern over national and regional issues facing Area Agencies on Aging attempting to establish viable programs for the elderly.
The major thrust of the initiatives in establishing the Association centered around problem solving, training, and dissemination of information pertinent to assisting Area Agencies on Aging in implementing, improving, and/or expanding comprehensive and coordinated services for older people throughout the Southeast.
One of the major goals established for the Association was to coordinate an Annual Training Conference region-wide. This thrust has been continued throughout the existence of the Association.
It provides the mechanisms necessary to promote skill development, professional knowledge, best practice sharing, and information exchange.
SE4A consists of eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.