Crystal Curtis
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Esha Venkat

Story of Service: Esha Venkat

At 20 years old, Esha has already built a global movement rooted in kindness, equity, and service. As co-founder and COO of NEST4US, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched at age ten, Esha leads a network of more than 8,000 volunteers working across five core programs to address hunger, poverty, education, mental health, and sustainability. What began as a small family project has evolved into an international organization that has donated over 300,000 meals, delivered millions of dollars’ worth of resources, and empowered more than 100,000 youth worldwide. Through NEST4US programs including NEST Nurtures, NEST Tutors, NEST Kares, NEST Buddies, and...
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Becky McCully

Story of Service: Becky McCully

As one of our January 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll honorees, Becky McCully's volunteer service in the theatre and choral programs at Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) in Ashland, Virginia, has had a profound impact on both students and the broader community. Beyond the tangible contributions to the success of productions, she has played a pivotal role in creating a vibrant and inclusive artistic environment. She has been volunteering at PHHS since 2021 but previously volunteered by mentoring theatre students when she lived in Texas. By offering her time and expertise, she has provided essential support to students, helping them...
Dakota

Dakota Tappen

Story of Service: Dakota Tappen

Dakota Tappen is an AmeriCorps member serving with Recovery Corps in Virginia. In this role, she is entering her third service term at Roads To Recovery in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she currently serves as a Women’s Peer Recovery Navigator. "I like to describe my role as a cheerleader in many ways," she says. "I walk alongside my peers and watch them conquer their insecurities and mark off their goals as they achieve them. I support peers in their recovery, employment, mental health, and relationships goals." She recalls, "I found the Recovery Corps listing on Indeed and decided to apply. I...
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Cydny Neville

Story of Service: Cydny Neville

Congratulations to Cyndy Neville of Prince William County -- winner of the 2017 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer! Full-time teacher Cydny Neville's commitment to students, their families, and her community goes way beyond the classroom. Cydny serves a minimum of 20 hours per week organizing community outreach across Prince William County and Northern Virginia. Her passion for the Prince William community led her to help individuals who are trying to start new businesses. Cyndy has assisted more than 100 small business owners with professional development training and has helped them secure business licenses by...
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

George and Kim Melnyk, Jr.

Story of Service: George and Kim Melnyk, Jr.

Congratulations to George and Kim Melnyk, Jr. - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer Family! For low income students in Hampton Roads, the pandemic created a whole new set of challenges, from scarcity of school supplies to wi-fi accessibility. Even having a desk for virtual classes and homework was a major issue for many families. For George and Kim Melnyk, Jr., owners of Premier Millwork, this particular need turned out to be a perfect fit for the family. As soon as they were contacted by CHIP (Children’s Health Investment Program) of South Hampton...
Emma Jean Rush

Emma Jean Rush

Story of Service: Emma Jean Rush

Emma Jean Rush graduated from the University of Virginia with a master’s in public health. After college, she accepted an AmeriCorps VISTA opportunity with MENTOR Virginia as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator, hoping to reach more mentors and mentees, allowing mentoring programs in Virginia to continue to grow and foster development. At the beginning, Emma had no idea how significant her impact would be on MENTOR Virginia, but through her dedication, commitment, and ethical values, she helped the organization advance its mission of fostering quality mentoring relationships that empower, elevate, and encourage young people. Her work continues to impact MENTOR...

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