PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation has a long tradition of volunteer service. On February 1, a Volunteer Appreciation Reception was held to recognize the valuable contributions of more than 11,000 volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about Gwinnett County Parks. Vicki Jacob, recently recognized Volunteer of the Year by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association, District 7 was the keynote speaker. Vicki has always been very passionate about volunteering and a true ambassador for GCPR. The drive behind volunteering is simply that “when volunteers see a need, we brainstorm a way to fill that need”, said Vicki.

Volunteers are a valuable asset to Gwinnett County park system. Last year, there were more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service which saved citizens of Gwinnett County over $2,050,000. These volunteers were recognized and awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in three categories, Bronze, Silver and Gold. This service award program was created to thank and honor those, who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime. There are three categories for recognition, Kids: Age 5-14, Young Adults: Age 15-25 and Adults: Age 26 and up. The recipients of the awards were given an official President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a congratulatory letter from President Obama.

There were 38 Bronze, 18 Silver and 10 Gold level awards. The Gold level winners in the kids and young adult category contributed over 100 hours of volunteer service. The winners were as follows: Kyra Keenan, Stephanie Dieters, Alec Feather, Bryan Jackson, Christopher Mullaney, Nick Walters, Victor Pria, Jarel Symore, and Nicholas Stokoe. The winner in the Gold level adult category was Greg Peters, who was recognized for 500 hours or more of volunteer service. The reception was held at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center. Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation would like to thank all the volunteers and the important role they have in our communities. As Vicki Jacob so eloquently put it, “being a volunteer means playing a vital transforming role in society”. The evening was a great success with special guest, Sandy Elliott, with the Gwinnett Parks Foundation and donations of beautiful flowers and door prizes by the many local businesses. For a complete listing of winners, visit www.gwinnettparks.com and go to the Volunteer section.

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