Three companies and two individuals from the area were presented Tuesday with the U.S. President’s Service Award to recognize their volunteer engagement during the 2022-2023 school year.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was founded in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. It recognizes “the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity” and honors those “whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action,” according to the website for the award.
While the award is technically presented by the White House and the President of the United States, certifying organizations are granted authority to give out the PVSA to volunteers. Junior Achievement of West Kentucky is a local certifying organization.
To be eligible for the award, companies/organizations/schools must provide a minimum of 200 community service hours throughout the fiscal year while individuals must provide a minimum of 100 hours. There are multiple award levels depending on the number of service hours completed. For more information on eligibility and the award levels, click here.
The following companies/organizations individuals were recognized Tuesday for their work in 2022-23:
U.S. Bank — Gold
Brescia University — Bronze
Independence Bank — Bronze
Old National Bank — Bronze
Southern Star — Bronze
The following area individuals were recognized Tuesday for their work in 2022-23:
- Mark Dohrenwend — Bronze
- Jill Howard — Bronze
After a 3-year break during the pandemic, Junior Achievement also announced the re-introduction fo the Bill Elmer Volunteer of Excellence Award. Elmer, president of Texas Gas, was instrumental in bringing JA to Owensboro in 1959 and remained involved with the local organization for the next four decades. The award is presented to volunteers who exemplify Elmer’s passion and enthusiasm for JA.
This year’s recipients were:
- Nathan Hunt — U.S. Bank employee and member of the JA West Kentucky Board of Directors
- Tara Dixon — ERA Realtors and member of the Henderson JA Action Board
