On Friday, Sept. 27, Southeast Polk High School hosted the annual Governor’s Volunteer Award Ceremony. This program honors the dedicated people who volunteer their time and talent to help an Iowa agency or organization deliver on its mission. In partnership with Volunteer Iowa and the Governor’s office, Southeast Polk has been hosting the central Iowa ceremony for over a decade. Hundreds of volunteers were recognized for their efforts throughout the year, some as individuals and some as groups.
Pleasant Hill’s first female Fire Chief, Jamie Xayavong, started this year’s program. Lieutenant Governor, Adam Gregg, presented the awards to each of the winners, having his picture taken with them. Jackie Schmillin, local TV celebrity, served as emcee for the program and shared on Facebook, “It was an honor to be the emcee for the Governor’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony alongside Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg. There are so many amazing people giving back to our great state.”
Several Southeast Polk Students also helped make this event possible. Guests were greeted and ushered into the high school auditorium by SEP Student Ambassadors Bradee Brown, Gabe Christenson, Jackson Dietzenbach, Mandy McWilliams and Harmony Patterson while Rheana Larmie played classical music on piano. Hadleigh Markun started the program by singing a beautiful acapella rendition of the National Anthem. Then the student ambassadors helped again to ensure the ceremony flowed smoothly, guiding the winners throughout the event. A reception was held in the high school Commons after the ceremony.
Congratulations to all the volunteer award recipients and thank you to everyone who made this ceremony possible!
