Idaho Volunteers Recognized at Brightest Stars Awards Ceremony

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 16, 2020
Information Contact: Renee Bade (208) 332-3578, ext. 4061

Seventy-one outstanding volunteers from throughout Idaho were honored as stars Wednesday by Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, at Idaho’s Brightest Stars ceremony in Boise.

Dawn-Marie Johnson

Dawn-Marie Johnson of Kamiah was recognized in the Individual category.

“Volunteerism is a gift that benefits citizens and addresses needs in communities throughout our state,” said Gov. Brad Little.  “These men and women are not seeking recognition, but it is important to acknowledge these Brightest Star recipients and their generous commitment to giving to others and ensuring a bright future for all citizens.”

Jim Kinnard of Coeur d’Alene was recognized in the Student category.

The volunteers were nominated for their contributions in seven categories – Business, Individual, Nonprofit/Civic Organization, Senior Citizen, Student, Teacher/Professor and Veteran. Awardees were nominated by Idahoans throughout the state and a panel of community reviewers made
the final selection.

All nominees were recognized as stars in their communities by Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, and one Brightest Star Volunteer of the Year was chosen in each category. Additionally, for the second year the Gov. Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to one outstanding volunteer.

This year’s recognized volunteer leaders were:

  • Business: Clif Bar Baking Company, Twin Falls
  • Individual: Dawn-Marie Johnson, Kamiah
  • Individual 55+: Jim Rehder, Cottonwood
  • Nonprofit/Civic Organization: SoleKIDS, Boise
  • Student: Jim Kinnard, Coeur d’ Alene
  • Teacher/Professor: Michael Haney, Idaho Falls
  • Veteran: Scott Ferrara, Rigby
  • Gov. Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year: Theron Case McGriff, Idaho Falls

Visit the Serve Idaho website at serveidaho.gov to view a link to the ceremony program listing all nominees.

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Serve Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Labor, encourages voluntary public service and volunteerism throughout the state. The Serve Idaho Commission is funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Idaho Department of Labor.