Nominations Sought for 2012 Leading Lights Volunteer Awards

Monday, January 30th 2012

The Leading Lights committee is accepting nominations for the fourth annual awards until February 13, 2011.  Area non-profit organizations have teamed up with the Virginia Tech German Club Alumni Foundation (GCAF) for the Fourth Annual “Leading Lights: Neighbors Honoring Neighbors” recognition awards for volunteers in our community. Leading Lights recognize volunteers in the NRV from all sectors who are making community-changing impacts and serving as models to inspire others.  The group honors award-winners by donating $1,000 to the non-profit of their choice.

Formed in 08-09 and led by the GCAF, Leading Lights is a community-wide team effort led by representatives from local non-profits such as the Community Foundation of the NRV, Montgomery County Public Schools, United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd, VT-Engage, YMCA at Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech, Radford University, New River Community College, and the faith community.

The 2011 Leading Lights event honored the five awardees, forty-five nominated finalists, and leading area non-profit and government-service organizations. The 2011 Leading Lights award winners were, Community: Phyllis Albritton, Blacksburg; Pat Ballard, Christiansburg; Mary Ann Hinshelwood, Christiansburg; Collegiate: Victoria Sarbin, Radford University; and Youth: Jessica Vance, Blacksburg.

 

The five awards are given in three categories: community (three), youth (one), and collegiate (one). Nominees must be current residents of or currently enrolled in schools in the New River Valley. The award selection committee includes representation from across the New River Valley.  Award winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Strong community involvement
• Demonstrated lifestyle of dedicated, continuous, long-term involvement to the community
• Proven leadership
• Creativity in initiating and implementing projects that lead to a better quality of life

Organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit nominations. Nominations can be submitted online or mailed. The nomination forms (online and downloadable) can be found at www.leadinglightsnrv.org. Mail nominations to Attn:Leading Lights, 1000 N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Nominations are particularly encouraged in the youth and collegiate categories. Persons who have been nominated before, but not selected as one of the five awardees may be nominated again. Any of the offices below can be contacted for the form or more information:

• Community Foundation of the NRV:  (540) 381-8999
• United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd:  (540) 381-2066
• VT-Engage     (540) 231-0691
• YMCA at Virginia Tech     (540) 961-9622

 

The deadline for nominations to be received by the Leading Lights committee is Monday, February 13, 2012. The 2012 annual Leading Lights banquet will be April 12, 2012. This major gala will be held at the German Club Manor adjacent to the Virginia Tech campus.  Seating will be limited.