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Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Dana Dougherty

Story of Service: Dana Dougherty

Congratulations to Dana Dougherty of Arlington - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer! Dana Dougherty’s passion for healthy living is getting children and families moving in Arlington! Dana began her quest at Oakridge Elementary, an urban school also known as an “international neighborhood school” with a population speaking more than 40 languages. Here she spends countless hours creating and running an “all are welcome” morning fitness program and family fitness nights. Dana also realized the need for students to have “movement breaks” throughout the day in order to refocus on learning. She created 2Fit2Quit,...
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The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Story of Service: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

As home to the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) acts as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. AmeriCorps members at IALR currently serve as STEM and literacy tutors and developers. They primarily assist upper elementary through middle school students in schools and at out-of-school partner sites. By tutoring and mentoring young students, AmeriCorps members at IALR help make sure all students are equipped to reach their goals. The Dan River Region exhibits lower high-school graduation rates as compared to the state (Danville 73.3%, Pittsylvania County 90.4%, Virginia 91.9%).  Members tutoring and mentoring...
Tanay Gonzalez 2026 Winter Honor Roll

Tanya Gonzalez

Story of Service: Tanya Gonzalez

Motivated by her desire to welcome others, Tanya has found purpose and connection through her role volunteering as the lead Dance Instructor for the Sacred Heart Folklorico dance group at the Sacred Heart Center in Richmond, Virginia. She teaches children and youth traditional Mexican and Latin American dances and helps the students perform at area festivals and events. Her service builds community among the children and families participating in the dance group, as well as the larger Richmond region. In the fall of 2025, her dance group received an invitation to perform at a local nursing home to bring joy...
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Ellen and Brian Swedberg

Story of Service: Ellen and Brian Swedberg

Ellen and Brian Swedberg are among the newest members of the volunteer team at Historic Christ Church & Museum (HCC&M) in Weems, Virginia, having first discovered the organization at the Irvington Farmer’s Market last year. Their curiosity quickly turned into commitment. After attending the annual spring volunteer training, they’ve been enthusiastically involved in volunteer service.  “Volunteering at Historic Christ Church has been a wonderful experience. The foundation treats its volunteers as professionals and offers them an amazing opportunity to learn the local history at your own pace and timeline," says Brian. Ellen, a talented seamstress, was immediately drawn to becoming...
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Pepicelli’s Pizza LLC

Story of Service: Pepicelli’s Pizza LLC

Congratulations to Pepicelli's Pizza of Ashland -- winner of the 2017 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Small Business! For residents in the Town of Ashland and Beaverdam, there’s no such thing as a special event or community outreach effort without Pepicelli's Pizza. Lisa and Tom Checkosky’s restaurant is not only the best place to go in town for a slice, it is an outstanding example of giving back to the community. The list of organizations and causes supported by Pepicelli’s goes on and on – from the Hanover Humane Society to the Ashland Police Foundation. Pepicelli’s...
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Alyssa De Las Salas

Story of Service: Alyssa De Las Salas

Alyssa De Las Salas learned about AmeriCorps NCCC when a friend served during her freshman year of college. She recalls, “I thought, that looks so interesting... getting to travel across the country and meet new people.” Alyssa finished her bachelor’s degree in psychology, but the opportunity remained buried in her own subconscious. A year or so after graduation, however, she had an existential crisis, unsure what to do next. That’s when she remembered AmeriCorps. She had enjoyed traveling abroad and felt like traveling within the U.S. was something that would interest her as well. Alyssa recalls, “I started reading more about it...

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