Congratulations 
To This Year's Governor's Service  Award Recipients! 

Be prepared to be inspired by these outstanding West Virginians!

The Governor's Service Awards, West Virginia's most prestigious volunteer award  honors individuals and organizations who are volunteer superstars in West Virginia communities.  Meet the 2018 recipients  below!
2018 Recipients  
Kiara Stevens
Wellsburg

Kiara Stevens created a free cheer clinic to empower young girls in her community. 

A role model in Wellsburg, over the past year Kiara has spent countless hours volunteering her time to teach area youth gymnastics who couldn't afford to attend tumbling classes.

 
Melodee B. Price | Elkins

Melodee Price, a superstar in Elkins, developed the Make It Shine Program to attract tourists to Elkins and to encourage residents to take pride in their community. 

Over the past year, Melodee has led volunteers in the program to organize trash pick-ups, river clean ups, landscaping projects, and helped local businesses spruce up their storefronts, dumpsters, and much more.  


Kandi Habeb | Parkersburg

Kandi Habeb works day and night to take care of community cats in Wood County. Kandi started the Save A Kitty Feral Cat Program, a volunteer led team, which provides free spay/neuter and vaccines to community cats. 

This year alone the program is expected to treat over 1,000 cats in the community.  See Kandi's Story Here 
Jo Ann Harman | Lahmansville

Jo Ann Harmon couldn't be more active in her county and state. 

She encourages others in her community to join and volunteer in the multiple groups she shares her time with, including the Community Educational Outreach Service, which sponsors multiple community events, and 4-H, where she serves as the president of the Grant County 4-H All-Stars, and as a leader of the Step Ahead 4-H club, and much more.


Kenneth Springer | Hillsboro

Kenneth Springer has such a deep connection to Watoga State Park that he sold his home and moved to the area after his first visit. 

A labor of love, he clears nearly 40 miles of trails every two weeks during his morning runs. Kenneth shares his love and knowledge of the forest through workshops, and the 
Watoga Foundation's blog and Facebook posts.  See Ken's Story Here.
The Ash Family | Clarksburg

As a family of thirteen the Ash Family has made their presence known in the community and at the William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital. 

This year they helped create the Blessing Buckets Program to raise mental health awareness, played a crucial role in restoring the hospital's historic cemeteries, helped to support literacy efforts, and coordinated activities for nursing homes throughout the state. 

Paula Osborne | Berkeley Springs

Paula Osborne has brought the game of tennis to Morgan County through selfless leadership, an uncountable number of hours, and dedication to see success for every child she meets. 

Paula's unwavering drive to have tennis thrive in her community has yielded afterschool programs, summer camps, spring and fall clinics, college scholarships, grants, and the creation of a varsity tennis program.  See Coach Paula's Story Here 
Tri-State Literacy Council | Huntington

The Tri-State Literacy Council offers free tutoring for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math, or life skills. 

This year, 68 volunteer tutors served 76 adult learners. Thanks to the help of volunteer tutors, every adult learner in the program reached one of their stated goals - including receiving their high school equivalency.

Faith In Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley | Charleston

Faith In Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley supports the independent living of seniors throughout Kanawha and Putnam County. 

Volunteers make friendly phone calls and visits, provide transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store, and help with household chores and tasks. In 2018, over 200 volunteers helped 500 seniors remain independent in their community. 

Elkins Depot Welcome Center

Elkins Depot Welcome Center volunteers play a vital role in the community, welcoming over 44,000 visitors each year. 

The welcome center's 20 volunteers go above and beyond to provide personalized and professional attention, which boosts the local economy by guiding visitors to area attractions and businesses. In 2018, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, for the third year in a row.

See the Elkins Depot Welcome Center's Story Here 
Rotary Clubs of Martinsburg & Shepherdstown 

The Rotary Clubs of Martinsburg and Shepherdstown are determined to address human trafficking in their community. 

Over the past year, Rotarians developed a community awareness campaign that included billboards and anti-human trafficking training, which resulted in 92 women's shelter counselors receiving certification. Rotarians also led the charge to require changes in legislature to require all public restrooms to post the toll-free hotline to report human trafficking.  See The Rotarians' Story Here
2018 Nominees 
Volunteers are not just the heart of activities; they are also the heart of each community. 

The following individuals, organizations and businesses were nominated for a 2018 Governor's Service Award, honoring those who illustrate the true meaning of volunteerism. 

Click here to see the complete list. 
West Virginia Leadership Awards
Chuck Clegg | Parkersburg

After installing the smoke alarm that saved his daughter's life, Chuck Clegg of Parkesburg, became the Red Cross Smoke Alarm Champion.

In the last year alone,  Chuck has installed more than 1,000 smoke alarms, ensuring 500 homes are safer throughout West Virginia. In 2017, Chuck also responded to more than 125 disasters such as fires and floods and has dedicated 72 days away from home to help those impacted by large scale disasters through the Red Cross. 

Day to Serve 

Day to Serve is an annual volunteer initiative that unites people from different faiths, races, cultures, and backgrounds. 

The multi-state collaboration encourages community members to work together, find common ground, and get involved in strengthening communities. 

Day to Serve began in 2012 as a collaboration between the Governors of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and the Mayor of Washington DC.
Since the project started in 2012, over 287 thousand volunteers have served at over 7 thousand service projects throughout West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. 


Save the Children | 
Red Wagon Award 

The Red Wagon Award is given to an outstanding organization devoted to improving the lives of young people by working to provide them with the key supports known as the Five Promises. 

These Five Promises are: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, An Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others.

The recipient of the 2018 Red Wagon Award is Save the Children. 

Save the Children after school and summer programs ensure that children have safe spaces to learn, proper nutrition, and caring adults to serve as mentors and role models.  The program also provides opportunities for children to volunteer in their community. 

Last year Save the Children served 3 thousand West Virginia children.


Volunteer West Virginia is an agency of 
within the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History