Hanover County recognized outstanding volunteers at a celebration Tuesday night at Atlee High School. The Spirit of Volunteerism ceremony highlighted individuals who spend countless hours helping their community.
“This event is a beautiful reminder of how blessed we are in Hanover County because of our volunteers, who go above and beyond each and every day to elevate the lives of others and make our community a great place to live,” County Administrator John A. Budesky said.
Judges awarded volunteers from nine organizations. Recipients included Girl Scouts, business owners and retirees. This is the 21st year for the Spirit of Volunteerism recognition.
The following volunteers were selected for 2023 Spirit of Volunteerism awards:
- Blazer Heating, Air and Plumbing received the “Commitment to Community Award.” The company offers HVAC replacement or repairs at no cost for low-income homeowners. It also provides heating, air and plumbing materials to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
The Hanover Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of this award category, will be making a financial contribution to Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity.
- Paul Warren received the “Spirit of Dedication” award, given to a volunteer aged 60 or over. Paul has volunteered with the Patrick Henry YMCA for six years. Last year, he served 223 hours as a front door greeter and monthly food pantry volunteer.
The category’s sponsor, Covenant Woods, will be making a financial contribution to the Patrick Henry YMCA in Paul’s honor.
- Tim and Joanna Etheredge received the “Spirit of Family” award. Tim and Joanna are leaders of the Enon Church Feed Senior Outreach program that has served the Studley community since 2019.
The category’s sponsor, Ace Hardware & Equipment, will be making a financial contribution to Enon United Methodist Church Feed Senior Outreach Program in honor of Tim and Joanna.
- Frank and Mae Antkievicz received the “Spirit of Inspiration” award for individuals who have volunteered for 20 years or more within a specific organization. Fran and Mae lead the English as a Second Language program at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, which has taught more than 420 students and prepared 30 individuals for American citizenship.
Award sponsor Grace Community Church will honor Frank and Mae with a contribution to the English as a Second Language program at Walnut Grove Baptist Church.
- Anne Geddy Cross received a “Spirit of One” award. Anne has volunteered innumerable hours for her community, serving on more than 21 board and committees and holding leadership positions in more than half of these.
In her honor, award sponsor Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) will be making a financial contribution to the Hanover Museum of History & Culture.
- Becky McCully of Patrick Henry High School received the “Spirit of One” award for Hanover County Public Schools. Becky has served as president of the school’s theatre and choir boosters since the fall of 2021.
REC will be making a financial contribution to Patrick Henry High School Theater Boosters in honor of Becky.
- The “Spirit of Team” award was presented to the Tools 4 Teachers Community Program. This program targets donations of school supplies for middle school students. The program began in 2021 and in just one year, provided $15,000 in supplies.
In honor of Tools 4 Teachers, award sponsor Copy Cat Printing will be making a financial contribution to support the work of the Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF).
- Kayla Richardson won the “Spirit of Youth” award. Kayla is a regular volunteer at Laurel Meadow Elementary School, volunteering more than 40 hours last summer helping prepare for the school year.
The category’s sponsor, Virginia Credit Union, will be making a financial contribution to Laurel Meadow Elementary School to continue the outreach Kayla has created.
- Girl Scout Troop #5276 won the “Spirit of Youth Team” award. Troop members Katherine Alexander, Ashley Godwin and Lauren Hoehl spent nearly 150 hours last summer to renovate the child witness room for Hanover Juvenile and Domestic Violence Court.
Virginia Credit Union will make a financial contribution to Hanover Youth Service Council in honor of these youth.
“The volunteer efforts of our nominees help transform lives, build social connectedness, foster active citizenship and create resilient communities within Hanover County,” Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chair Canova Peterson said.
Volunteers in Hanover offered more than 190,000 hours of service last year, which represents a dollar value of more than $5.7 million. The Department of Community Resources presented a representative ‘check’ to members of the Hanover County Council on Aging and the Ashland-Hanover TRIAD in honor of Older American’s Month.