38th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Recognizes Exemplary Service

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, honorary chair of the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, announced recipients of the 38th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards presented with OneStar Foundation honor the exemplary service of individuals/organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution through service and volunteering in the past year.

Awardees were selected for engaging in volunteer service that effectively addresses a critical need, makes a sustained positive impact and inspires others to get involved.

“Texans truly are generous by nature,” said Abbott. “I am so inspired by the generosity and selfless dedication demonstrated by volunteers across this great state over this past year. Now more than ever, we need to embrace our communities. I am thrilled to recognize this year’s 11 outstanding awardees for leading the way.”

Hannah Guan of San Antonio is the recipient of the First Lady’s Rising Star Volunteer Award. At age 11, Guan founded San Antonio Math Include (SaMi) to offer greater access to STEM education. In four years, she has grown SaMi into an international network connecting more than 36,000 students to tutors, principals, counselors, teachers and after-school programs in hundreds of schools across the world.

Chuck and Gena Norris are also recipients of the Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. In addition, 10 other Texans are named as part of the awards program.

This year, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards introduced three new categories to address the ever-evolving volunteer landscape: Innovation in Volunteerism, Excellence in Disaster Volunteering and Volunteer Family of the Year. These award categories highlight resilience and adaptability needed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All of this year’s awardees have exhibited an enduring commitment to service in even the most extraordinary circumstances,” said Chris Bugbee, OneStar president and CEO. “They have persevered in spite of the pandemic and have risen to the challenge of meeting this year’s exceptional community needs.”

Awardees will be honored at an online awards ceremony hosted by the first lady.