FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2015
CONTACT: Governor's Press Office, 850-717-9282, media@eog.myflorida.com
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND VOLUNTEER FLORIDA PRESENT CHAMPION OF SERVICE AWARDS
TALLAHASSEE – Today,
during a meeting of Florida's Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer
Florida CEO Chester Spellman recognized four champions of service from across
the state of Florida: the Legacy Mentor Program; Deputy Teddy Floyd of the
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office; Justin Lee of the Savannas Preserve State
Park; and Becca Toland of the Special Olympics Florida.
Governor
Scott said, “I am proud to recognize these individuals today for their
commitment to bettering our communities and changing lives. We are inspired by
these Champions of Service whose selflessness has helped mentor children, give
to families in need, and protect Florida’s precious natural resources.”
“Groups
like the Legacy Mentor Program and Special Olympics Florida are built around the
concept that volunteers will be there to serve,” said Volunteer Florida CEO
Chester Spellman. “Volunteers ensure that our state parks attract more
visitors, our non-profits are able to thrive, our vulnerable children receive
the mentoring they need, and our law enforcement community can extend a helping
hand to those in need. It is an honor to present the Champion of Service to
these outstanding Florida volunteers and programs.
Legacy
Mentor Program (Accepted by Mary Rebekah Fritz, Mentor Program Manager) - The Legacy Mentor
Program serves foster children in Central Florida. Currently, 72 young people
are in the program, and to date, 114 mentors have participated. Legacy
Mentor Program volunteers serve as mentors and tutors; they are specifically
trained to guide foster children’s personal growth, academic achievement and
career exploration. By providing significant preventative measures and support
for foster children, the Legacy Mentor Program increases academic performance,
empowers students and ensures that they are equipped with life skills. In the
first three months of 2015 alone, Legacy Mentor Program mentors have spent
almost 200 hours with their mentees.
Deputy
Teddy Floyd, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office - For over 10 years,
Deputy Floyd has constructed and restored homes for needy families in his
community. Under Deputy Floyd’s leadership, the homes are constructed and given
to individuals who have been positive role models and contributors in the
community. Deputy Floyd leads the team of builders who construct the homes,
facilitating the donation of the supplies, general labor and specialty
services. Thanks to Deputy Floyd, over a dozen families have been able to
experience the American Dream of home ownership. Deputy Floyd has mobilized
hundreds of volunteers to improve the quality of life in some of the area’s
most impoverished communities.
Justin
Lee, Savannas Preserve State Park - Justin has served for almost five years with
Savannas Preserve State Park in Port St. Lucie, providing 1,921 service
hours. Justin, who dedicates his weekends and much of his summer
vacations to the park, coordinates over 40 youth volunteers, including
recruitment and training. Justin has made the Park’s Education Center a fixture
in the community, and designed and facilitated the summer “Mad Scientist
Series,” which helps children develop STEM skills.
“I
commend Justin Lee for his passion and commitment to Florida State Parks,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “Volunteers like Justin play an important role in making our state parks the
best in the nation.”
Becca
Toland, Special Olympics Florida - As a volunteer with Special Olympics Florida,
Becca Toland has served countless hours working with athletes, staff and other
volunteers. She provides administrative support and assists the staff with
preparing for competitions. She continues to volunteer at Special Olympics
Florida, while growing into the role of a community advocate for others with
unique abilities.
The
Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award honors individuals and groups for
their outstanding volunteer efforts. For more information about the Volunteer
Florida Champion of Service Awards, click HERE.
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