BATON ROUGE, La. – Volunteer Louisiana and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser are proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Champions of Service awards. The Champions of Service awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated compassion and dedication, leadership and initiative, or innovation and creativity in addressing community challenges and serving others.
This year’s selection process was highly competitive, with Volunteer Louisiana receiving over 280 nominations from 49 of 64 parishes. The 2024 awardees distinguished themselves with passion and dedication to serving their communities, embodying the spirit of volunteerism that makes Louisiana a better place for all. From education and healthcare to public safety and social justice, these champions have selflessly given their time, energy, and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
“We are thrilled to honor these exceptional individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to serving their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Their selfless acts of kindness and commitment inspire us all to work towards a brighter future for Louisiana.”
The nine recipients of the 2024 Champions of Service awards are:
– Evelyn Blakeney, Northeast Champion – Evelyn’s leadership of the Sew Happy Ladies, a weekly group of volunteers based out of First West Thrift Store in West Monroe, provides a space for women to create, bless, and have a great time. The Sew Happy Ladies work to use their giftedness in sewing to offer hope by making different items that benefit local and global causes. There is a place and job for everyone, even those who cannot sew. The group has spearheaded large-scale projects such as reusable feminine products for girls in Honduras and Africa allowing them to attend school the entire month. Through their passion and creativity, Evelyn and the Sew Happy Ladies foster 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.
– Jalynn Mar’Dai Pickens, Northwest Champion – Jalynn was a high school student who experienced a realization after sitting next to a fellow student experiencing homelessness. Recognizing the lack of specific programs for high school students in emergency clothing situations, Jalynn spearheaded an initiative to collect jeans for youth experiencing homelessness. Six years later, her initiative is still going. Jalynn’s Locker makes a significant impact by collecting thousands of pairs of jeans for students in Caddo Parish, ensuring that students have access to essential items throughout the school year. The jeans and clothes in Jalynn’s collects are found at the Mckinney-Vento Educational Enhancement Site at the Caddo Parish School Board at 1638 Murphy Street in Shreveport.
– Lilly Harvey, Central Region 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 the organization’s 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 and families in need.
– Landis Manchester, Greater Capital Area Champion – Landis Manchester, a dedicated father of four, became involved with Ainsley’s Angels in 2017. Ainsley’s Angels of America aims to build awareness about America’s special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. Serving as advocates to providing education and participating as active members in local communities through participating the endurance events. Today, Landis is the proud dad to two rider athletes and an integral part of the organization’s success in Louisiana. Appointed as Ambassador for Baton Rouge in 2020, Landis has expanded Ainsley’s Angels’ reach, recruiting 57 new participants and facilitating 22 inclusive events in 2023 alone. Despite being a full-time working father, Landis spearheads the transportation, coordination, and set up for specialized equipment that helps children and adults with special needs participate in local races and high-impact endurance events alongside volunteers. 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 excels in her role as a primary care physician and internal medicine faculty member at LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and demonstrates her commitment to the community through extensive volunteer efforts. Serving as lead physician at LSUHSC Student-Run Community Clinics and Freestanding Communities, a fully organized and staffed team of medical students who are dedicated to providing a foundation of quality healthcare the underserved and disadvantaged of the New Orleans community. The clinic offers a myriad of services to heal patients as well as provide referrals for specialized care within the LSUHSC Healthcare System. 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. In addition to her work with the clinic, Dr. Stevens volunteers at multiple weekly events that bring healthcare services directly to communities across New Orleans. Her dedication to equitable healthcare and unwavering compassion make her an indispensable asset to the New Orleans community.
– Mark Michaud, Southeast Winner – Mark’s dedication to search and recovery efforts through his 501c3, Southeast Louisiana Underwater Search and Recovery (SELAUSAR), has profoundly impacted the Southeast Louisiana community. The organization’s mission has expanded to include sonar imaging, training, scene management, and the search and recovery of drowning victims. Following several recoveries starting in 2001, Mark located teacher Terrilyn Monette in New Orleans’ Bayou St. John, 98 days after she went missing in 2013. This marked the catalyst for honing his skills and realizing his potential to provide closure to grieving families. Despite resource constraints, Michaud’s collaboration with various agencies and commitment to training others in public safety diving ensure his impactful work persists. His selflessness and tireless dedication are an inspiration to all who know him, showcasing the transformative power of compassion and service in offering solace to those in their darkest moments.
– Danny Duhon, Southwest Winner – Danny’s unwavering commitment to Hospice of Acadiana shines through in his tireless efforts, logging over 1,000 volunteer hours in 2023 alone. The organization strives to provide exceptional and individualized medical, emotional, social, & spiritual support to anyone facing an advanced or terminal illness in a manner that respects & enhances quality of life. Danny helps nearly everyday throughout multiple departments across the organization and always goes above and beyond his assigned duties. Danny spreads joy and comfort to patients and staff alike, whether picking up sweet treats for visiting children or providing comfort to 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.
– Bridget Glassman, AmeriCorps Champion – Bridget, known for her humility and dedication, serves as the Marketing Coordinator for NorthShore Robotics. The organization provides STEAM based robotics classes and camps filled with dynamic, interactive activities that keep students excited and actively involved in their learning journey. With her unique talents and drive, Bridget has spearheaded initiatives that doubled class sizes and expanded outreach to underserved youth across multiple parishes. Additionally, her personal, grassroots project, “The Market Munchkins,” evolved into a formal 501c3 non-profit that empowers children to take charge of their own small business, 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 Elliot Mitchell, 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 across. St. Landry, Evangeline, Acadia and will be branching off into other parishes after of May 2024 Their grassroots efforts will continue to uplift youth and connect families in schools, through creative efforts tailored to the needs of the community. Their busy calendar offers numerous ways to get involved, whether through pizza parties for honor students, job fairs, legal assistance, or delivering meals to those in need. Dads & Kids dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of children and the entire community demonstrates the power of positive encouragement can have on today’s youth.
“These Champions of Service represent the best of Louisiana – individuals who give selflessly to uplift their communities and make a difference in the lives of others,” said Volunteer Louisiana Executive Director, Judd Jeansonne. “Their dedication and passion inspire us all to engage in service and create positive change.”
The Champions of Service awards ceremony will be held on April 15, 2024, where the honorees will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the state.
