Celebrate Mainers who step up: Nominations open for annual Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism until June 30

Volunteer Maine, the state service Commission, is seeking nominations for all categories of the 34th annual Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism. The goal of these awards is to celebrate and honor the exemplary work and leadership of Maine's dedicated citizens of all age. Nominations will close on Tuesday, June 30 at 5 p.m.

The COVID-19 health emergency has shined a light on those who have selflessly stepped up to help their fellow Mainer. This year's award program is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of individuals, teams and organizations across the state who have answered the call to help Maine communities.

Award winners will be honored at a recognition ceremony to be held in the fall, details to be announced at a later date. Please view the link for more information on the Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism, including categories, online nomination instructions, eligibility and selection criteria.

Since 1987, the awards have celebrated and recognized the role of citizen volunteers in the success and vitality of Maine communities. At the same time, the awards seek to inspire others to be active in civic life and follow in the footsteps of those recognized. The awards program is managed for the Governor's Office by Volunteer Maine.

In total, 12 award recipients are selected from nominations by a panel of volunteer reviewers. The panel includes past award recipients, Commission members, and community representatives. This years categories for individuals and teams are as follows:

Individual or team categories:

  • Maine Volunteer of the Year
  • Young Maine Volunteer of the Year
  • Outstanding Public Sector Volunteer
  • Employee Volunteer of the Year
  • Outstanding National Service Volunteer
  • Outstanding Volunteer Team
  • Excellence in Volunteer Leadership
  • Excellence in Youth Service Development

Organization categories:

  • Outstanding Employee Volunteer Program
  • Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Program
  • Service Enterprise of the Year
  • School District Excellence in Service-learning


The following individuals, teams and organizations earned a Governor's Award for Service and Volunteerism in 2019:

  • Volunteer of the Year: Mike Wisecup (Windham, Maine)
  • Excellence in Volunteer Leadership: Jan Cerabona (Elliot, Maine)
  • Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Program: Literacy Volunteers of Bangor (Bangor, Maine)
  • Outstanding Volunteer Team: Medication One-on-One Team, Southern Maine Agency on Aging (Scarborough, Maine)
  • Service Enterprise of the Year: Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program (Brunswick, Maine)


Photo ID: (top row, left to right) Heather Arvidson (Volunteer & Client Services Manager,Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program), Mike Wisecup (Volunteer of the Year), Lehann Collins (Admin. Assistant Literacy Volunteers of Bangor), Kathleen Jenkins (Volunteer, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor), Kevin Foster (Volunteer, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor (bottom row, left to right) Meredith Eaton (program manager, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor), Nancy Gordon (Medication One-on-One Team), Warren Giering (Medication One-on-One Team), Jan Cerabona (Excellence in Volunteer Leadership winner)

About Volunteer Maine

Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer sector by funding service programs, developing volunteer managers and service-learning practitioners, raising awareness of the scope and the impact of the volunteer sector, and encouraging an ethic of service. On Oct. 16, 2019, the Maine Commission for Community Service adopted the public identity Volunteer Maine.

Media contact

Bryan Roche, communications officer
Office: (207) 624-7836
Cell: (207) 446-3471
Email address: bryan.roche@maine.gov

View additional media coverage:

"Nominations sought for Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism" -- Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel -- view here

"Volunteer Maine seeks nominations for Volunteers of the Year"  -- The Republican Journal -- view here

"Volunteer Maine seeks nominations for Volunteers of the Year"  -- The Courier-Gazette -- view here  

Categories
Awards and Accolades
Volunteer Leadership