Weekly Edition | April 20th | By: Editor

Mesa, Ariz –Gov. Brewer spoke at the Volunteer Service Award Friday, April 20th.  Eleven recipients have been recognized with the award, which is considered the highest honor given for volunteerism in the State of 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 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.

The winners of the 2012 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are listed below.

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)