Story by GCSU senior Elizabeth Newlin

G eorgia College & State University recently honored several students who received the President's Volunteer Service Award and the Eve Puckett Giving Tree Award. 

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) embodies the spirit, honoring individuals whose dedication to service enriches communities and transforms lives. Established in 2003 by President George W. Bush, this prestigious award recognizes the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the United States. Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows certifying organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers. 

PVSA celebrates individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to serving their communities. Whether it’s in local schools, hospitals or community outreach, recipients of the award exemplify the ethos of selflessness and compassion to those who surround them. 

The award criteria are based on the number of volunteer hours completed within a 12-month period, with varying levels of recognition based on the cumulative hours of service. Bronze level awards are presented to individuals who have contributed 100-249 service hours, Silver awards are presented to individuals who have contributed 250-499 service hours and Gold awards are presented to those who have contributed more than 500 service hours. 

Students who received the Bronze award: Brittany Benner, Ariana Bridgett, Caroline Brown, Kaitley Congdon, Cara Cost, Ashley Dovico, Haley Dovico, Anna Gabriel, Emma Godfrey, Abigail Griffin, Delia Guy, Emma Hancock, Paige Holcombe, Kali Holierhoek, Kelsie Hunt, Isabella Katzmark, Mary Kuchinski, Katelin Lanier, Anna Martin, Anna Matthews, Grace Mistretta, Elizabeth Newlin, Katherine Payne, Amelia Pound, Blakely Queen, Skylar Robinson, Nicolette Rodgers, Aiden Shuster, Kaitlyn Smith, Kaitlin Stokes and Ashley Talafous.

Students who received the Silver award: Shaun Bellmer, Jordan Burns, Samantha Freeman, Alexis Keeney, Bailey McCurtain, Lillian McGalliard, Robyn Meeks, Hailey Mosely, Grace Phillips, Irati Rodriguez Matesanz, Kate Shade, Emory Sutherland and Andrea Truax.

Students who received the Gold award: Sarah Brown, Leslie Farr, Christy Garlock, Alexandra Hershman, Anna lako, Abigail Lee, Amy Pickett, Kayla Roberts, Madison Schroder, William Thomas, Kaitlin Van Voorhis and Jenna Zapf. 

“Receiving this award has made me feel like I have made a difference within the Georgia College community and beyond. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be honored and that the time I dedicated to volunteering has been recognized,” Katelin Briggs said.

Briggs completed several different types of service to receive the award. 

“As a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, I participated in many events throughout the year to raise awareness and support our national philanthropy with the Arthritis Foundation,” she said.  “I also spent time over the summer volunteering in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Maintenance Program at Stephens County Hospital to earn hours toward grad school. Throughout the year I volunteered for different organizations and at events through the Give Center.”

Georgia College also highlights a student with the Eve Puckett Giving Tree award. This award is given to an individual who is nominated and will have a tree planted on campus in their honor.

This year’s recipient was Blakely Queen. The nomination was submitted by Dr. Scott Butler, professor of Public Health.

“Blakely is an outstanding honors student at GCSU who is majoring in public health and minoring in sociology. Through her volunteerism, Blakely is highly active on our campus and in our community,” he said. “For example, she has a passion for helping animals, serving as a Kennel Technician at Ashley Hills Pet Center and as an Assistant Coach at Shiloh Horse Ranch, and volunteers (100+ hours/year) through the campus Shelter Buddies RSO. Since 2022, Blakely has served as a Community Advisor in the Residence Halls and over the last year has served as my research assistant. In addition, she participated in the GCSU Leadership Academy, is the President of the National Residence Hall Honorary and actively volunteers in the community through the Center for Health and Social Issues. Blakely has received numerous awards including the Pauline Kelly Malone Scholarship, the 2024 Outstanding Sr. in Public Health Award, and the GCSU Bronze Service Medal. Overall, Blakely is a kind-hearted student and one of the most altruistic public majors I have ever met. I believe she represents the ideals of Eve Puckett and that she would be an excellent ambassador of Eve’s legacy.”

The estimated tree planting ceremony will be in April with a detail about the event to come.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award serves as a reminder of the power of compassion. It honors those who embody the spirit of service and inspires us all to work toward a bright future, one act of service at a time.

Georgia College is extremely proud of these students for continuing to have generosity and service to our community.