Piedmont Macon executives presented Wanda Duval with a Community Hero Award today for her dedicated work with a choir whose members have special needs.

Duval is director of the Gifted Harmony Choir, which has made singing and performing accessible to people with all ability levels. Founded in 2017 by her teenage daughter, Leah Duval, the choir serves as a “transformative program that brings joy, unity and visibility to individuals with special needs throughout Middle Georgia,” according to the nomination for the award.

The choir not only has broken down barriers and challenged the social stigma facing its members, but the choir also gives its members confidence, social skills and lasting relationships with each other and community members.

After her daughter moved away from Middle Georgia for college a couple of years later, Wanda Duval picked up the mantle as the choir’s director. While Gifted Harmony was sidelined from performing during much of the COVID-19 pandemic, the choir came roaring back three years ago when their performance at the Douglass Theatre received a standing ovation.

“Wanda has stepped into this role with grace, passion and unwavering dedication,” ensuring that the choir’s mission continues to grow and touch lives across the community,” Meagon Davis, a self-described fan of the choir, said in her nomination letter. “Her leadership has strengthened the choir’s structure, expanded its outreach and provided consistent support to participants and their families.”

Gifted Harmony has performed at various events across Middle Georgia, including the Bibb County Retired Educators Association, the Mayor’s Council of Clergy luncheon, Mercer University, the Tubman Museum and Central Georgia Technical College sporting events.

Tracie Campbell-Kendrick, the choir’s assistant director, said she’s thrilled Duval is being recognized by Piedmont Macon.

“I can’t say that I know of anyone more deserving of an award than Wanda,” she said. “She will give you the shirt off her back and go without, and she’ll never ask for or expect anything in return.”

Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital, said Duval has all the qualities the hospital looks for when selecting a Community Hero.

“At its heart, what we do at Piedmont Macon every day is about compassion, dignity and the power of human connection,” he said. “Through this choir, Wanda has directed more than just music. She has built a community where every voice is valued and every individual is seen. We are honored to recognize her with Piedmont Macon’s Community Hero Award.”

The award is presented to a deserving individual who has an impact on the Middle Georgia community. After soliciting nominations from the community and hospital employees, Piedmont Macon’s executive leadership team selects a winner. Along with the award, the recipient will receive $500 for the charity or nonprofit organization of his or her choice. Duval is the ninth recipient of the award.