First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor's Volunteer Awards, unveiled the names of the recipients for the 40th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Partnering with the OneStar Foundation, these awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups, and organizations to Texas communities through service and volunteering over the past year.

In a statement, First Lady Abbott expressed her excitement in honoring 15 exceptional awardees, commemorating 40 years of celebrating outstanding volunteers. She praised their dedication, describing them as a testament to the strength and selfless leadership embedded in the spirit of Texas.

OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee also expressed enthusiasm, stating that this year's awardees showcase the resilience and strength ingrained in the Texan spirit of service, inspiring future generations to make profound impacts within their communities.

The recipients of the 40th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards represent a diverse range of endeavors and commitment levels. They will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April at a reception hosted at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

The recipients include:

• Ann Hammond from Houston, recipient of the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognized for her 35 years of dedicated advocacy for the Clear Creek Independent School District and her extensive involvement in various initiatives supporting families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Kent and Priscilla Pate from Midway, also receiving the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their remarkable legacy of selfless service spanning over 28 years, including efforts to address homelessness, support veterans in Texas prisons, and graduate students through transformational leadership programs.

• Wayne Rhoden from Georgetown, posthumously awarded the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his 25 years of dedication to environmental stewardship in Williamson County, notably at Berry Springs Park & Preserve.

• Rizwan Khan from Plano, recipient of the First Lady’s Rising Star Award for his exceptional leadership and community service commitment demonstrated throughout his high school years.

• Rahul Vijayan from Pearland, also receiving the First Lady’s Rising Star Award for founding the nonprofit Farm to Tray, promoting sustainable nutrition and STEM education.

• Jana Anderson from San Angelo, honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her compassionate leadership in providing support to suicide survivors in Tom Green County.

• Joan Ulsher from Helotes, also receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated advocacy for children and teens in foster care through Court Appointed Special Advocate for Child Advocates (CASA) of San Antonio.

• The Cheng Family from Allen, awarded the Volunteer Family of the Year Award for their passionate commitment to addressing homelessness and community outreach through Under My Umbrella (UMU).

• McCoy’s Building Supply from San Marcos, receiving the Corporate Champion Award for fostering a culture deeply rooted in community care since its founding in 1927.

• Academy 4 from Fort Worth, honored with the Community Champion Award for its innovative mentorship and leadership development programs in schools serving high-poverty populations.

• City of Longview Partners in Prevention from Longview, also receiving the Community Champion Award for its impactful initiatives addressing youth development, poverty alleviation, and substance use prevention.

• Arlington Classics Academy from Arlington, awarded the Education Champion Award for fostering volunteerism and social responsibility in its community for 25 years.

• Orange County Disaster Rebuild from Orange, recognized with the Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award for its formidable disaster response efforts, addressing eight significant events including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Laura.

• Joe Carreon from Dallas, recipient of the AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award for his exceptional leadership and dedication to community service in various roles, including serving as President of the Bachman-Northwest Highway Community Association.

• Katrina Huffman from Brady, also honored with the AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award for her profound impact on addressing hunger-related issues in the Brady community during her AmeriCorps VISTA tenure.