(Lawrenceville, GA., August 23, 2011) - Every year, Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) recognize outstanding members, agencies, and volunteers for their accomplishments. Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation (GCPR) was well represented this year at the 66^th Annual GRPA State Conference. Awards were presented to the Dacula Pageant Girls and Mountain View Pageant Girls for their volunteer services to GCPR. The Dacula Pageant Girls and Mountain View Pageant Girls are a service-based organization that instills leadership skills and service in girls of all ages. For over six years, the pageant girls, ages pre-school through high school, have donated more than 1,000 hours to GCPR programs. These young ladies have taken the lead in providing excellent service to the community at large and allowing GCPR to offer many programs they otherwise could not due to minimal staffing. They are a shining example of young Gwinnett citizens working for the betterment of the community.

The Volunteer Award in Therapeutic Recreation was presented to Jeff Jansma with the Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics (GMSO). The GMSO is an organization that serves over 300 young adults ages 16-21 throughout Gwinnett, DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties. Jeff's involvement has enabled GMSO to support hundreds of adult-aged athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Volunteer Award for Facilities and Grounds was presented to Veterans of the Gwinnett Veterans Council War Memorial Museum for the contributions they have made enriching lives in the community. These volunteers are dedicated and passionate about the preservation and expansion of the Gwinnett Veterans Council War Memorial Museum located on the first floor of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Their dedication has generated a newfound interest which has helped keep the doors of the Veterans Museum open.

The Minority Section Award was presented to Helping Others Organize Kreative Everyday Differences (H.O.O.K.E.D.), a teen group sponsored by GCPR in conjunction with Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE). This extraordinary group of young people is made up of various middle and high schools in Gwinnett County. Teens and leaders worked extensively with the Gwinnett County Board of Education and GUIDE in developing the goals and leadership skills necessary to successfully operate this program and, in partnership with Norcross Elementary School, established a regular reading program available to parents free of charge.

The Program Section Award for Innovative Camp Award was presented to Teens In Leadership Training (TILT), which provides skills/training necessary for young teens to become positive role models for campers as well as future counselors and camp directors. TILT's impact on GCPR is measured by hours served and cost savings of staff and resources. The current TILT graduates served 13,200 hours providing an immeasurable amount of service to citizens.

The Distinguished Professional Award in the Athletic Section was presented to Stacy Fowler, Program Supervisor with GCPR. Stacy was recognized for his contributions to Adult Athletics which has drawn more participation in park programs and created a positive economic impact to Gwinnett County through increased revenues.

The Senior Section Award was presented to GCPR for "May is Older Americans Month". This award recognized GCPR for the many programs and activities provided during May to support Older Americans Month and the opportunity to show appreciation and commitment for senior citizens throughout Gwinnett County.

The State Volunteer Award was presented to Lois Allen, former Chair of the Gwinnett County Recreation Authority for her dedication and involvement in parks and recreation for 40 years and counting. An active and enthusiastic volunteer and supporter of the quality of life for each citizen in Gwinnett County and beyond, Lois played an integral part in the preservation of greenspace and park master planning to ensure that everyone is offered an opportunity to enjoy parks and recreation throughout Gwinnett County.