A former Covington County court officer known for his compassion and who has given generously of his talent to promote worthy causes is among the five people recognized this week with the Andalusia High School Outstanding Graduated Award.

Roger Powell is a 1972 graduate who spent his professional career as a juvenile probation officer and later served as circuit clerk, retiring in January of this year.

Former probation and parole officer Bill Law said he met Powell when he was employed as a probation officer for the juvenile court.

“Roger and I handled the same charges, he when they were Juveniles and I as they grew older,” Law wrote in a letter of support. “Roger was concerned and tried to help those charges who were placed under his care. He worked long hours at low pay to try and give those charges a proper direction in their lives. I know he touched many lives and was a positive influence because of how few came on to be in my charge later.”

“Roger has striven for excellence in both his scholastic and professional achievements,” wrote his nominator, Pam Hutcheson, on behalf of the employees of the circuit clerk’s office. “He remains constant in his desire to remain respectful and compassionate to others and their needs.”

District Judge Trippy McGuire also wrote a letter of support for Powell’s nomination.

Powell also is known as a talented artist who specializes in architectural portraits of homes and businesses. He frequently contributes art work to charitable causes, and he illustrated the children’s book Bear Tales by Jett Campbell.

He is active in First Presbyterian Church, where he has been an elder and Session member, a trustee of the children’s home, a youth leader and choir member.

He also has participated in numerous community performances by ACT I, the Andalusia Ballet, and the LBW Drama Department. He has been a perennial favorite in the Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club’s Red Garter Revue.

He was recognized in 1992 with LBW’s outstanding alumni award.

He and his wife, Cathy, have two daughters, Allyn, a student in the University of Alabama’s School of Law, and and Lauren, a UA undergraduate.

Others who will recognized as Outstanding Graduates at a luncheon on Friday are Richard Anthony, Suzanne Brown Fornaro, Suan Riley Salter, and Shelby Searcy.