Nominations sought for Governor’s Service Awards

Published 2:35 pm Thursday, October 10, 2024

If you know an extraordinary Kentuckian or a group that is working diligently to improve the lives of others in the state, now is the time to nominate them for the Governor’s Service Awards.

This is the 29th year for the annual service awards, which recognize the contributions of Kentuckians to their fellow citizens. Each year, a special ceremony is held to publicly honor the recipients and others who have given to their communities through volunteering and service, without expectation of a reward or commendation.

“I always look forward to this event, because, at its core, it embodies what Team Kentucky is all about, and that’s being there for our neighbors,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “If you know selfless individuals or organizations that have made a significant impact in your community, please take a few minutes to fill out and submit a nomination form to help give them a chance to receive well-deserved recognition.”

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To honor individuals and groups and to highlight the impact of volunteerism and service, Serve Kentucky, an agency of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), is accepting award nominations.

“We’re grateful to have wonderful volunteers across the state who understand that if something affects one of us, it affects all of us.” said CHFS Secretary Eric Friedlander. “Thank you to all of Kentucky’s volunteers for your commitment – for going above and beyond the call of duty. Your work makes a difference in the lives of our communities every single day.”

To qualify, volunteer service must have been performed in Kentucky, serving primarily Kentuckians. Individuals and groups may be nominated in only one category. Award categories spotlight the contributions of individuals, businesses and groups. Volunteer awards include youth, adult, senior and veteran. Group awards include general, youth, nonprofit, civic association and faith-based. Other categories honor national service, such as AmeriCorps and lifetime achievement.

This year, a new category has been added. The Disaster Relief Service Award recognizes an individual or team who has demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication and selflessness in the face of disaster. Whether through immediate response efforts or long-term recovery, this volunteer has gone above and beyond to provide critical support, resources and aid to communities in need during times of crisis.

Submit nominations online or learn more at serve.ky.gov. The award nomination deadline is Friday, Nov. 15.