Sheryl Smedley, the executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, is “efficient.”

This is what Lt. Col. Nicolas Britto, assistant professor of military science at Concordia College-Selma, strongly believes about Smedley.

During Concordia’s ROTC cadet promotion ceremony Tuesday, Smedley was honored with a certificate of appreciation by the program.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Selma) presented Smedley with the award. Smedley said the award, which is emblazoned with the words “for outstanding contributions to the city of Selma and Dallas County,” is “prestigious.”

“I was surprised,” Smedley said. “It’s an honor to be recognized at the program and to receive it from Sewell.”

Britto said Smedley is deserving of the award because she continues to make Selma a better place.

“She’s making a difference and improving the community,” Britto said. “We feel it was an obligation to honor people who improve our city. When the city improves ‘we’, as in our Army program, improves. As a result, the quality of life for our students improves as well.”

Smedley said the honor pushes her to work even harder.

“I’m fishing harder and harder to promote a positive image for the entire Selma community,” Smedley said.

Alabama State Trooper Ed Jones was also honored at the ceremony.