Governor Glenn Youngkin recognized eleven individuals and organizations for their contributions to community service at the 2025 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards. The ceremony took place on November 13, 2025, at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. The awards are given annually to honor those who have made a significant impact in communities across Virginia.
Governor Youngkin stated, “Service is the heartbeat of a strong community. These honorees embody the Spirit of Virginia—neighbors helping neighbors, expecting nothing in return. Their compassion, creativity, and commitment remind us that lasting change begins when we step forward to serve.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin added, “The First Lady’s office has thoroughly enjoyed partnering with Serve VA to ensure that volunteerism remains at the core of our communities. Today we get to say ‘thank you’ to some of the countless Virginians who exhibit kindness, compassion, and generosity while bringing hope to the Commonwealth.”
The recipients were recognized in various categories:
– Youth Volunteer: Samuel Sachs (Virginia Beach)
– Young Adult: Esha Venkat (Ashburn)
– Adult: Eliot Carlson (Virginia Beach)
– Senior: Bob Gilbert (Natural Bridge)
– Independent Group: VITA Tax Clinic Volunteers at TAP (Roanoke)
– Community Organization: The Grove on Patterson (Roanoke)
– Community Response Organization: Trails to Recovery (Abingdon)
– Faith-Based Organization: Fauquier County and Vicinity Ministers Coalition (Bealeton)
– Educational Organization: Adaptive Gymnastics at Virginia Health Sciences (Virginia Beach)
– Small Business: CVP Windows and Doors (Newport News)
– Corporation: Publix Super Markets (Statewide)
The awards program has been recognizing exceptional service for more than three decades. It is organized by the Office of the Governor with support from the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism and Serve Virginia.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly said, “Volunteerism is where compassion turns into action. Every act of service—whether mentoring a child, helping a neighbor, or caring for those in need—strengthens the fabric of our communities. These honorees remind us that government can build programs, but it is people who bring hope.”
Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Kevin Erskine commented, “These awards shine a light on the people who make Virginia stronger through their service and leadership. Each honoree shows what it means to lead with heart, and their example reminds us to bring that same spirit of service and compassion to the people we serve every day.”
Joel R. Morgan, Chair of the Virginia Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism said, “Virginia’s volunteers lead by example, proving that service is not just an act, but a way of life. Their dedication strengthens our communities, inspires others to get involved, and reminds us all of the power of working together for the common good.”
Leaders from around Virginia attended this year’s ceremony to celebrate these volunteers’ impact on individual lives and collective well-being.
More information about this year’s honorees can be found at https://ServeVirginia.org/news-and-events/2025-governors-awards.
The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism supports local initiatives aimed at building stronger communities by involving diverse volunteers in addressing educational, economic development, health care needs and more; details are available at https://ServeVirginia.org/about-us/governor-advisory-board.
Serve Virginia works toward fostering volunteerism throughout Virginia by inspiring participation among individuals and organizations; further information can be found at https://ServeVirginia.org.
