A social worker who has spent half her life helping others has been honoured by her peers.

Sharon Apopa, 50, was named Outstanding Social Worker 2007 at an event held at Ten wine bar, in Hamilton, on Saturday night.

Mrs. Apopa, from Devonshire, began her social work career 25 years ago with the Department of Child and Family Services.

In 1990, she moved to Sandys Secondary Middle School as a full-time guidance counsellor and took on a part-time role as clinical director at the Women’s Resource Centre.

She now works as programme manager for Child and Adolescent Services, which is part of Bermuda Hospitals Board, and is board chairman at the Women’s Resource Centre.

She was given her award by the Bermuda National Association of Social Workers.

Accolades from colleagues were read out during the ceremony, including one which said: “Sharon exudes an air of confidence that only a woman of her calibre can. Everything she touches, whether it is her work in the church, her contact with battered women, or her unending advocacy for the rights of children and adolescents in Bermuda, she turns to gold.

“She gives and never asks for anything in return. She is a mother, grandmother, sister, twin, daughter, wife, friend, boss colleague, clinician, advocate, manager and social worker.

“She does all of these things and more with grace dignity and perfection.”

Mother-of-two Mrs. Apopa told The Royal Gazette: “I’m very humbled actually because I know that many of my colleagues as well work very hard and... do excellent work.

“To be chosen by your peers as an outstanding person is a very humbling experience.

“Being a team player, I’m cognisant of the fact that I didn’t get here by myself.”

Kennita Perry, public relations officer for the association, said: “March was Social Work month so the social evening was our final event for that.