Service recognition ceremony held

Morehead Mayor Laura White-Brown and Rowan County Judge Executive Harry Clark joined more than 5,200 elected officials from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico in support of AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and VISTA programs on the National Service Day of Recognition on Friday, April 12.

The annual, nationwide event aims to highlight the impact volunteers have on their communities and to thank individuals who serve. Together, the elected officials represent more than 216 million citizens. 

White-Brown and Clark signed proclamations declaring April 12 Service Recognition Day in Morehead and Rowan County. 

Members of several volunteer organizations attended the proclamation signing including MSUCorps, The MSU Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), DOVES Domestic Violence Shelter, The Gateway House Homeless Shelter and representatives from area schools. Volunteers from these organizations provide a variety of services to the community, including tutoring and mentoring in the schools, financial counseling for low income families, assistance with transitioning families of violence or homelessness to safe and affordable housing, case management of homeless families and volunteer assistance at local nonprofit agencies.  

“I’m very honored to participate in this proclamation signing,” said White-Brown. “Judge Clark and I have really made it a priority to collaborate and recognize people who give back to the community.” 

In his remarks to the group, Clark said he’s grateful for all the volunteers do for the community. 

“There’s no way we could put all the pieces together without you people. Volunteers truly are the backbone of this country,” he said.  

For more information on volunteer opportunities at MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/msucorps, email mc.williams@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2719. 

Photo: Front row from left: Andrea Gibson, DOVES; Melissa Justice, DOVES; Harry Clark Rowan County Judge Executive; Laura White-Brown City of Morehead Mayor; Dr. Dan Connell assistant vice president for Regional Education and Outreach; and Mary Claire Williams project director for MSUCorps.  

Back row from left: Cecilia Armstrong, DOVES; Cassandra Kinney, DOVES; Suzie Steagall, RSVP; Sally Netherly, RSVP; Christa Webb, Gateway Homeless Shelter; Nicole Meade, MSUCorps; Jennifer Andrews, Gateway Homeless Shelter; Rosita Napoleoni-Milan, MSUCorps; Teresa Judd, RSVP; Helisha Tuerk, RSVP; and Vicky Cooper, administrative assistant, Regional Education and Outreach.