2024

The annual Champions of Service Award recognizes outstanding volunteers that go above and beyond through a competitive award process. This year's selection process for Champions of Service was highly competitive with Volunteer Louisiana receiving over 280 nominations from across the state. Considering these numbers, being chosen as one of nine winners is truly an outstanding achievement and a testament to the remarkable work that volunteers are doing across the state.

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C.O.S

The 2024 Champions of Service award honorees are:
Jalynn Mar’Dai Pickens - Northwest Champion:

Jalynn's initiative, Jalynn’s Locker, has made a significant impact by addressing the ongoing need for clothing assistance among homeless youth in Caddo Parish. Recognizing the lack of specific programs for high school students in emergency clothing situations, Jalynn's dedication has filled this gap, ensuring that students have access to essential items throughout the school year. Her commitment to service and advocacy, coupled with her leadership roles on campus, serves as an inspiration to her peers, demonstrating the power of compassion and action to effect positive change in the community.

Evelyn Blakeney - Northeast Champion:

Evelyn's leadership of the Sew Happy Ladies has not only provided essential items for various global and local causes but has also fostered a sense of fellowship and purpose among retired women in the community. Through her passion, openness to new ideas, and devotion to meeting community needs, Evelyn has created a supportive environment where members find fulfillment in serving others while forming meaningful connections. Her impact extends beyond the tangible goods produced, enriching the lives of both recipients and volunteers alike.

Lilly Harvey - Central Champion:

Lilly's journey from tragedy to advocacy began with the loss of her daughter, Millie, in 2017. Determined to prevent other families from enduring similar pain, she founded Millie Mattered Overdose & Addiction Advocacy, rapidly expanding its reach to 16 cities in Louisiana. Through events like The Drug Epidemic Walks and Moonlight Memorials, Lilly has created a network of support and resources for those battling addiction and grieving loved ones lost to overdose. Her tireless efforts, including spearheading legislation like "Millie's Law," have garnered statewide recognition and contributed to a significant decrease in overdose deaths in Louisiana. Despite facing personal struggles, Lilly's resilience and dedication have transformed her into a beacon of hope and recovery for countless individuals in need.

 

Landis Manchester - Greater Capital Area Champion:

Landis Manchester, a dedicated father of four, became involved with Ainsley's Angels in 2017 as a special needs Dad to two rider athletes. Appointed as Ambassador for Baton Rouge in 2020, Landis has expanded the organization's reach, recruiting 57 new participants and facilitating 22 inclusive events in 2023 alone. Despite being a full-time working father, Landis's infectious enthusiasm and tireless advocacy make him a beacon of inclusion, embodying the spirit of service and community engagement.

 

Dr. Elyse Stevens - Greater New Orleans Champion:

Dr. Stevens not only excels in her role as a primary care physician and internal medicine faculty member at LSU Health Sciences Center but also demonstrates her commitment to the community through extensive volunteer efforts. Serving as lead physician at LSUHSC Student-Run Community Clinics and Freestanding Communities, she provides free medical care and health screenings to underserved populations across New Orleans. Dr. Stevens's leadership has significantly expanded patient care capacity and fostered a culture of human-centered healthcare, impacting countless lives and inspiring future generations of healthcare providers. Her dedication to equitable healthcare and unwavering compassion make her an indispensable asset to the New Orleans community.

Danny Duhon - Southwest Champion:

Danny Duhon's unwavering commitment to Hospice of Acadiana shines through in his tireless efforts, logging over 1,000 volunteer hours in 2023 alone. Going above and beyond his assigned duties, Danny spreads joy and comfort to patients and staff alike, whether it's picking up sweet treats for visiting children or providing rosaries for families in need. His compassionate nature and boundless generosity have left an indelible mark on the organization, making him an invaluable member of the Hospice of Acadiana family.

Mark Michaud - Southeast Champion:

Mark Michaud's dedication to search and recovery efforts through Southeast Louisiana Underwater Search & Recovery has had a profound impact on the community, conducting over 50 searches including high-profile cases like the recovery of Terrilyn Monette. Despite limited resources, Michaud's collaboration with various agencies and his commitment to training others in public safety diving ensure that his work continues to make a difference, offering closure and hope to families in their darkest moments. His selflessness and tireless dedication serve as an inspiration to all who know him, demonstrating the power of compassion and service in bringing solace to those in need.

Bridget Glassman - AmeriCorps Champion:

Bridget, known for her humility and dedication, serves as the Marketing Coordinator for Northshore Robotics, where she has spearheaded initiatives resulting in a doubling of class sizes and expanded outreach to underserved youth across multiple parishes. Additionally, her grassroots project, "The Market Munchkins," evolved into a formal 501C3 non-profit, empowering over 50 child vendors and inspiring others to create similar opportunities. Brandy's selfless leadership and commitment to empowering young minds exemplify her unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and prosperous community for all.

 

Dads & Kids - Volunteer Group Champion:

Dads & Kids, led by Clarence Lazard, Quitin Doyle, Baron Richard, Caleb Aguillard, Gary Mitchell, Chad Lemelle, and Ryan LeDay Williams, stands out for its comprehensive approach to community involvement. From hosting Positive Morning Tours and Picture and Painting events for special needs kids to collaborating with state police for drunk driving and drug awareness programs at local high schools, they prioritize uplifting students and families in St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes. Their efforts also include pizza parties for honor students, job fairs, legal assistance, and delivering meals to those in need, showcasing their dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of children and the entire community.