Special to The Daily News

State Sen. Beth Mizell (R-Franklinton) was recently awarded the Ambassador Award for Defense of Family by Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Louisiana. The award ceremony was held in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, May 8.
“CWA believes that marriage consists of one man and one woman. We seek to protect and support the biblical design of marriage and the gift of children,” said Sancha Smith, CWA of Louisiana State Director. “We have many pro-family legislators, but probably none more so than our recipient.
“Senator Beth Mizell serves as the Vice Chair for a Senate Select Committee on Women and Children, she has passed numerous bills to strengthen parental rights and bills to protect children from inappropriate content on the internet. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and on numerous boards addressing family issues.”
Upon receiving the award, Mizell recognized her greatest encourager — her daughter, Julie Stewart. According to Mizell, her daughter was a stabilizing force following the death of Mizell’s husband. Stewart is also her daily encourager regarding legislative issues and personal issues of life. Joining Mizell was Tara Baudoin, representing Life Counseling and Coaching, as the sponsor for the Defense of Family Award.
Each of the eight Ambassador Award recipients was asked to provide the name of the person that they would like to recognize as the person who has been their strongest encourager in the area for which they are being awarded. The recognized “Encouragers” received Louisiana state flags, which had been flown over the state capitol.
The additional Ambassador recipients and their recognized encouragers from around the state included:
• Fight Sexual Exploitation — State Sen. Ronnie Johns, Encourager — The Rev. Father Jeff Bayhi.
• Religious Liberty — U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, Encourager — Patrick Johnson (deceased).
• Sanctity of Life — State Rep. Katrina Jackson, Encourager — Dorinda Bordlee
• Education — State Rep. Beryl Amadee, Encourager — John Amadee.
• National Sovereignty — U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, Encourager — Becca Higgins.
• Support for Israel — State Rep. Valarie Hodges, Encourager — Carla Roberts.
• Leadership Award — State Sen. John Milkovich, Encourager — Carola Milkovich.
The awards were made possible by a number of companies and individuals, including the core issue underwriter sponsors: Turner Industries and MPW Properties.
Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a forty-year history of helping its members across the country bring biblical principles into all levels of public policy. For more information about CWA, visit online at www.concernedwomen.org.