Valerie K. Dulude is one of the most compassionate, intelligent young women to enter funeral service in many years. Along with her family, she now runs Dickinson-Streeter Funeral Service, Inc., in Springfield. As a young girl she wanted to become a funeral professional, but was discouraged because women were not yet fully integrated in funeral services. As a result, Valerie became a registered nurse receiving her A.S. from Springfield Technical Community College, married, began a family and settled in Southwick, MA. Through the years, her desire for a career in the funeral profession increased until it led her to an education in the Funeral Service program at the FINE Mortuary College. Valerie attended school part time while working full time at the funeral home and raising her two daughters. After graduation in August 2000, then Valerie took the National Board Examination and earned the highest score in the U.S.! The exam covers all aspects of the students’ training in mortuary school. Valerie is truly a remarkable person and a great asset to the funeral profession. We are honored to present Valerie for this most deserved outstanding student achievement award.