The Drakes. along with eight other families. are in our Nations Capital to receive special recognition from First Lady Nancy Reagan as part of the Great American Families Program. A panel of distinguished judges selected these nine families to receive Great American Family Awards based on strong family relationships and contributions to their respective communities. The Drakes were selected as the 1983 South Carolina Family of the Year. One of the primary community service contributions by the Drakes on which this award was based was their outstanding involvement in adoption and refugee resettlement programs. Specifically. this American family sponsored and helped support another sevenmember family from Vietnam during their transition to the United States. The Drakes have also worked closely with "OURS." a national adoptive parent organization.