(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 20, 2013) – Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation held a Volunteer Reception on May 5 at Bethesda Park Senior Center to recognize the valuable contributions of more than 6,045 volunteers who had dedicated their time to Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation the previous year. There were 6,045 Volunteer pin recipients as well as 82 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.  The reception recognized those receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in three categories, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

This service award program was created to thank and honor those, who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime. The recipients of the awards were given an official President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a congratulatory letter from President Obama.

There were 42 Bronze, 15 Silver and 25 Gold level awards. The Gold level winners in the Youth category ages 5–14 were: Kameron Tillman, Leo Penn, Hervema Pierre, Dayana Dieudonne, Brandon Kang, Jabari Berger, Quinn Joyner, Cody Wise, Ariel Moduro, Carol Huffstetler, Anaija Willis, Amil Willis, Angela Rose, David Henry Milby, Taliyah Manning, Danielle Brooks, Charles Murdock, Connor Day, Surena Arnall, Anna Banks, Frankie Keck, and Morgan Harris.  In Young Adults, Ages 15–25 the winners were: Imani White, Leandra Jones.  The winner of Adults category, Ages 25+ was Gregory Peters. Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation would like to thank all the volunteers and the important role they have in our communities.