First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced on Mar. 11 the recipients of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, which honor individuals, families, and organizations for their volunteer service across Texas. The awards, presented in partnership with the OneStar Foundation, recognize those whose leadership and dedication have made a significant impact in their communities over the past year.
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards highlight the importance of volunteerism in strengthening communities throughout Texas. Volunteers play a key role in addressing local needs and inspiring others to serve. The awards are considered the state’s highest recognition for volunteer service.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients as Texans whose commitment to service is making a lasting difference,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Their dedication reminds us that service has the power to unite communities, uplift neighbors, and inspire others to step forward. It is a privilege to celebrate these individuals, families, and organizations whose commitment to service reflects the very best of the Texas spirit.”
Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation, said: “These awardees demonstrate the extraordinary impact that service can have not only on communities, but on the people who serve alongside one another. By sharing their stories, we hope to encourage more Texans to get involved, build connections across differences, and take action to strengthen their communities through service.”
This year’s honorees include Larry Dolan (Dallas), Dave Freriks (Lubbock), Darrell Rodenbaugh (Plano), Timothy Stroud (Houston), Asvini Thivakaran (Round Rock), John R. Dunn Jr. (Kerrville), Oscar, Yolanda & Adrian Cisneros (El Paso), TeamCITGO (Houston), Kendra Scott (Austin), KENS 5 San Antonio’s Own (San Antonio), NiHao Food Bank Initiative (Keller), Ark of Highland Lakes (Marble Falls), Lifelong Learning with Friends (Austin), BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery (Statewide), and Nicole Gabler (Houston). Recipients will be recognized during National Volunteer Month in April at a reception at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.
According to the official website, Greg Abbott has led the Office of Texas Governor since his election in 2014 and maintains primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building. The office exercises authority statewide across Texas and focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schooling, and southern border security according to its official site. In addition to its policy initiatives, it contributed to Texas leading the nation in jobs growth and record employment levels according to official reports.
Governor Greg Abbott was also listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to his office.
For more information about this year’s award recipients or details about future nominations for volunteer recognition programs statewide visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
