Don Smith Award

2019  | Kerry Reese

Since 1990, the Don Smith Award has been presented each year to a deserving volunteer involved with the Youth Sports Programs. This award is given in memory of Don Smith, who passed away in 1989. Mr. Smith dedicated numerous hours to the youth of Cary by coaching in the program for 20 years. He also served on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Advisory Board and assisted in funding many of the building and repair projects for baseball and softball fields in the 1970s and ‘80s. The recipient of the Don Smith Award demonstrates leadership qualities; serves as a role model to all kids and coaches; shows integrity; understands and promotes the Athletics Division philosophy of participation, skill development, sportsmanship and fun; is respected by peers, community and staff; and unselfishly gives of him/herself and time to the youth of Cary. This volunteer must have minimum of five years of service and can qualify for the award once every five years.

Distinguished New Coach Award

2019  |  Chad Wray and Liz Schwartz

The Town of Cary is fortunate to have many coaches with a variety of years of experience. The Distinguished New Coach Award recognizes a volunteer who has coached for fewer than five years with the Town of Cary (head coach or assistant coach). The recipient of this award demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents and staff; brings new ideas; is respected by peers, community and staff; devotes time to the youth of Cary; and promotes the Athletics Division philosophy of participation, skill development, sportsmanship and fun. This volunteer is the type of coach that the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) staff would like to have in the program for many years to come.

Outstanding Teen Award

2019  |  Corina Smith

Established in 1989, the Cary Teen Council serves as a youth volunteer organization. The Teen Council promotes the development of leadership qualities in youth; provides leisure services, programs and projects which benefit youth; and serves in an advisory capacity on issues of concern. The Council is composed of representatives from the 6-12 grade population of Cary. The Teen Award is given to a deserving member of Cary's Teen Council who demonstrates the following traits: demonstrates an understanding of leadership qualities as they relate to representing the youth of Cary; shows a strong interest in community service and volunteerism, cooperates with staff and the PRCR Department; is respected by peers, community and staff; and is actively involved in programs/projects promoted by the Teen Council. Nominees must have been a member of the Cary Teen Council for a minimum of two years to be eligible for this award and may only receive the Teen Award once.

Cultural Arts Award

2019  |  Burgul Tazlali

The Cultural Arts Division promotes literary, performing, and visual arts that celebrate the historic heritage and dynamic diversity of our community. By providing opportunities for enjoyment and enrichment, volunteers work with a variety of activities – festivals, classes, concerts, exhibits, and organizations. The Cultural Arts Award is presented to a deserving volunteer involved with the Cultural Arts Division. The recipient of this award is one who is supportive of the Town of Cary’s cultural programs; resourcefully promotes the arts and appreciation of music, dance, theatre, literary and visual arts, multi-cultural arts awareness and historic appreciation; assists staff and other committee members in carrying out the mission and goals of the Division; displays a well-rounded interest in all the arts; and demonstrates strong leadership qualities, serving as both an advisor and a doer. This volunteer must have a minimum of three years of volunteer service and can qualify for the award once every five years.

Senior Volunteer Award

2019 |  James Burcsu

The Town of Cary is fortunate to have very active, engaged adults of ages 55 plus in our community. The Cary Senior Volunteer Award will be presented to a deserving volunteer who has impacted the lives of Cary citizens ages 55 and older. This person is involved with any senior program or activity with Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. The recipient of this award is one who has great people skills, is responsive to the needs in the community, and is highly respected by participants ages 55 and older. This volunteer should have a minimum of three years of volunteer service and can qualify for the award once every five years.

Parks & Trails Award

2018  |  Laura White

30+ parks, 70+ miles of greenways and trails, and many acres of open space stand as a testimony to the Town of Cary’s commitment to preserving open space and protecting our natural environment. The recipient of this award exemplifies strong leadership and effective organizational skills; is dedicated to the improvement and advancement of Cary’s greenway and trails system; advocates nature conservation and education; displays a strong interest in making the public aware of Cary’s greenway program, parks and other natural resource issues; and assists in carrying out and promoting Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources’ (PRCR) goals. This volunteer can qualify for the award once every five years. 

Events Volunteer of the Year

2019  |  Carol Jenkins

The Events Volunteer Award is presented to an individual who has worked to provide support to one (or more) of the many special events that are produced by Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department. This award recognizes an individual who has displayed extraordinary commitment to making the Department’s special events shine in any area (cultural arts, athletics, etc.) This nominee should demonstrate the following: displays leadership qualities; cooperates with staff to carry out program / division goals; and acts as a resource in the promotion of the events in the Town. The recipient of this award exemplifies the endurance and commitment that is required from a volunteer to realize the goal of a successful special event. This person is respected by peers, community, and staff. The selected winner can qualify for the award once every five years.

Partner Organization of the Year

2019 |  The Conservation Fund of North Carolina

This award is presented to a non-profit, civic, school, club, or other organization that has partnered with the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department to help the department achieve its mission and goals; contributes to the enhancement of life in Cary; and has made a significant impact on the quality of life for Cary’s citizens. This organization has volunteered time and resources that have positively impacted the programs and services of the Cary PRCR. The selected group can qualify for this award once every five years.

Herb Young Award

2019  |  Thomas Gruber

This outstanding volunteer award is given each year in honor and memory of Herbert C. Young. Herb, a native of Cary, was for many years very much involved and interested in his community. In the early 1970s, Herb served on the Cary Town Council and served in various capacities on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Advisory Board since 1975. He volunteered for many special events offered by the PRCR department. He was always the first person to volunteer, the first one to get there, and usually the last to leave. The recipient of this award is a volunteer who assists PRCR staff in carrying out the department’s mission and goals; is supportive and displays a strong interest in being involved in program/events of the PRCR Department; is well respected by peers, community, and staff; brings in new ideas; exemplifies strong leadership qualities; is a strong team player; takes assignments seriously; is always willing to pitch in with an extra effort; and, through his/her service, significantly contributes to the betterment of the community. This nominee must have a minimum of five years of service and can qualify for the award once every five years. 

History & Heritage Award

This award was presented to individuals demonstrating leadership in preserving and promoting appreciation of Cary's history and heritage while supporting Cary's cultural programs.

Multi-Cultural Arts Award

This award was presented to individuals who were resourceful in promoting the arts and appreciation of other cultures.

Contact

For more information on volunteer awards, contact:

Dalton Love
Operations Specialist
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources
(919) 469 - 4065
Dalton.Love@carync.gov