The deadline is tonight to nominate people for an award that recognizes Nebraska’s outstanding volunteers at nonprofit groups and local government agencies.
Governor Pete Ricketts will present the finalists with the Step Forward Awards.
Christina Franklin, program officer with ServeNebraska, says they’re the most prestigious awards for the state’s volunteers.
“Originally, they were not called the Step Forward Awards. They were the First Lady’s Awards, so it’s been happening for several years here in the state,” Franklin says. “This year is especially special because we are working with the Nebraska Impact Initiative to celebrate Nebraska’s 150th birthday.”
Franklin says there are nine categories including Veteran Volunteer. She says volunteerism is what makes Nebraska the “Good Life.”
“I believe in volunteerism so much and we know that it makes a difference in our state,” Franklin says. “If we didn’t have people that volunteer, there are a lot of services that wouldn’t happen in our rural communities, in our urban communities. Volunteerism makes our state great.”
Franklin says Governor Ricketts will help review the submissions and select those deserving recognition.
The deadline for nominations is midnight tonight. You can download a nomination form at the website Serve.Nebraska.Gov.
By Nick Stevenson, WJAG, Norfolk
