ATHENS--Sister M. Antonette, MSC, administrative assistant for mission services at St. Mary’s Health Care System, Inc., in Athens was one of two recipients of the Human Relations Service Award given by the Athens Area Human Relations Council.

A member of the Order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sister Antonette came to St. Mary’s Hospital in 1966 as director of nursing. Since her retirement as vice president of nursing in 1992. Sister Antonette’s responsibility has been to insure that hospital employees understand and follow St. Mary’s mission and values.

Sister Antonette, a registered nurse, was presented with the Human Relations Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for the people in northeast Georgia.

During her career, Sister Antonette has made a special effort to promote educational opportunities for employees who need assistance. She has facilitated college or professional education for many through tuition assistance, scholarship and flexible work schedules and words of encouragement and recognition.

To perpetuate Sister Antonette’s leadership qualities at St. Mary’s Hospital, in 1989 Dr. Howard T. Abney established the Sister M. Antonette Leadership Award. Each year a nurse-manager who exhibits these qualities receives the award.

Prior to coming to Athens Sister Antonette was director of the school of nursing for Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, PA.

The Athens Human Relations Council each year recognizes two persons from the community who have promoted human relations.