NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 29, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov
A volunteer from Oakley received recognition for his service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday Aug. 28.
Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, proudly recognized Blake Matthews with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exceptional volunteer service.
Matthews’ volunteer commitment is rooted in family tradition, beginning with his grandfather’s involvement in the Oakley Vigilantes. This year, when leadership was unavailable, he stepped forward to lead Oakley Pioneer Days, a community celebration dating back to the late 1800s.
Matthews’ service goes beyond leadership, as he is also known for his hands-on contributions. Following a long night of preparations, Matthews was at the arena at 8 a.m. the morning before Pioneer Days to weld the fence and make sure the event was a success. His leadership, selflessness and commitment to community service reflect the best of Idaho’s volunteer spirit.
Idaho’s Brightest Star Award recognizes outstanding volunteers from across the state. It is a partnership between Gov. Little’s office, Serve Idaho and the Idaho Nonprofit Center.
More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is at serve.idaho.gov.
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Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho’s AmeriCorps programs. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the federal agency AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor. In 2024, AmeriCorps committed more than $7.7 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $2.1 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on taxpayer dollars.
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Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded through local support.