The Dorchester County Council, at their April 7 meeting, recognized the late Delema Ames for her 40-plus years of dedication to early childhood development in the county.

“Miss Dee” Ames worked as a substitute teacher and later as an aide in the public school system. She served as director of the Children’s Day Care Center from 1982 until it closed in 2004; and she joined the Senior Staff of Pitter Pat Child Care Center until it closed in 2012. She also gave her time at Dreams of Wings Childcare Enrichment Center in Cambridge.

Pictured are (l to r) Jawana Stanley, Nykia Ames, Akera Ames, Dykir Lee, Amera Ames, George Ames III, Darlene Starlene Ames, George Ames Jr., Nancy Shockley. In the background are councilmen Tom Bradshaw, Ricky Travers, Rick Price, Don Satterfield and William Nichols.