Sevier County Kids Earn President’s Volunteer Service Award

Twenty-three Sevier County 4-H members have been recognized this past year for their volunteer efforts with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The Presidents Council on Service and Civic Participation created the Volunteer Service Award Program to recognize Americans who have made a commitment to volunteer service. Sevier County 4-H is proud to partner with the Presidents Council to present these awards to young people who volunteer in Sevier County.

Since its inception in 2003, 147 4-H members have received this honor by volunteering over 18,070 hours of service to our community. Recipients for 2017, have donated over 3,770 hours of service to Sevier County. They include: Kai Howard, Rusty Huskey and Vahna Lee – Catlettsburg; Cayla Powers and Maria Powers – Gatlinburg Pittman High; Olivia Browning, Adyson Florkowski, Jaiden Florkowksi, Lauren Gilliam, Lindsey Hedrick, Karissa Marcum, Zoe Marcum and Nate Sams – Homeschool; Sarah Anne Bowyer, Christy Newsom and Liberty Wood – Pigeon Forge High School; Claire Jenkins – Pigeon Forge Middle; Launa Shedden – Sevierville Middle; Catherine Cummings, Peyton Day, Aislinn McElhaney, Kaitlyn Montemagno, Jensen Overbay and Cordell Rivera – Sevier County High School

These hours have provided benefit throughout the community. They include service hours given to 4-H Camps, workshops, contest and events; various club events; the Salvation Army; Relay for Life; Sevier County Food Ministry; Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic; Sevier County Humane Society; Local Nursing Homes; the Senior Center; United Way; Local Youth Sports Leagues; Sevier County Fair; Keep Sevier Beautiful; and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Actually the list could go on.

Each of these 4-H members live out the 4-H Pledge by using their “Hands to Larger Service” throughout Sevier County. They provide a positive example for all to follow. Sevier County benefits from their community involvement.

Award recipients receive: an official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin; a personalized certificate of achievement; a note of congratulations from the President of the United States and a letter from the President’s Council of Service and Civic Participation. Awards are presented at the bronze, silver and gold level depending on the age of the volunteer and the number of hours of service given. Recipients are eligible to receive the award once every twelve months.

Through 4-H, young people develop life skills that help them become productive citizens. By volunteering, in the community, these young people are able to give back.

The Presidents Volunteer Service Award is available to any 4-H member. If you need more information about the award or any 4-H opportunity, please call me at 453-3695.