Longtime radio announcer Jannie Venter, best-known in Selma and Dallas County as “Mother of the Airwaves,” was honored by the White House.

Venter, who will celebrate her 50th year in broadcasting this year, received the President’s Lifetime Achievement award for her 4,215 hours of volunteer service.

“Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality,” President Joe Biden wrote in a signed letter to Venter.

“By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face- solutions that we need now more than ever. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and love.”

Venter said the certificate she received from President Biden is a huge achievement, but it’s  more about Selma and Dallas County than herself.

‘Getting the award is a pleasure and a surprise,” Venter said. “The award is not about me, it’s about the people who live in Selma and Dallas County.”