The Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism today announced the winners of the 2012 Volunteer Service Awards. Eleven recipients have been recognized with the award, which is considered the highest honor given for volunteerism in the State of Arizona.
The Volunteer Service Awards were established in 2002 to recognize and thank Arizonans who have dedicated their time and talents to help address the needs most important to Arizona communities. Each of the individuals and groups nominated for an award has demonstrated exceptional community service throughout the State over the past year.
Recipients were recommended in 11 categories. A statewide panel of judges evaluated nominations for need, action, innovation and impact. The winners will be honored Friday in Mesa at a luncheon hosted by the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.
Sponsors of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards include Comcast-NBCUniversal, the Phoenix Coyotes, SRP and other businesses and organizations that are ardent supporters of volunteerism in Arizona.
“As Arizonans and Americans, volunteerism is one of our single most fulfilling and worthwhile pursuits,” said Governor Brewer. “I applaud these individuals for recognizing the importance of public service, and for donating their time and efforts to bettering the lives of others.”
The winners of the 2012 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards include:
Lifetime Achievement
Bill Dickey (Phoenix)
Adult Category
Tina Duresky (Avondale)
Adult Group Category
P.A.W.S. with Dogs (Casa Grande)
Youth Category
Nhi Van (Phoenix)
Youth Group Category
Mountain Ridge High School’s Interact Club (Glendale)
Large Business Category
Prudential (Phoenix)
Small Business/Government Agency Category
Pima County Attorney’s Victim Services Division (Tucson)
Nonprofit/Faith Based
Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction Inc. (Pine)
Outstanding Mentor
Andrea Petrof (Mesa)
Service-Learning Category
Todd Nelson (Flagstaff)
National Service Category
Cecil Groves (Kingman)