Local honored for service with AmeriCorps

Governor’s Service Awards presented at State Capitol ceremony

Lori Shea Fuson of Williamsburg was honored at the Governor’s Service Awards ceremony recently in Frankfort in recognition of her service in the AmeriCorps Kentucky Colleges Program. She was among 21 individuals and groups applauded in the State Capitol rotunda.

Gov. Matt Bevin said the event was a chance to honor the state’s volunteers and national service members for their efforts and the positive changes they have made.

“We know you take time to volunteer not because you expect to be recognized or receive awards, but because you have a servant’s heart.” Gov. Bevin said. “You have truly made an impact on your communities in ways that you may never see. Your actions set an example for others and are worthy of this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations and thank you for representing the very best of who we are as Kentuckians.”

When Fuson joined the AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coaches program, she was the first coach to partner with Whitley County High School.

This means she had to recruit all of her core students from scratch. With mentoring from fellow AmeriCorps member, Leah Cann, Fuson not only recruited 67 core students by the end of her first month, but 60 of them had completed their permission forms to officially become her mentees.

Her enthusiasm and passion for education and the service provided by coaches was evident from the beginning. Fuson is known for being reliable, thorough, informative, approachable and helpful and dedicated to making a difference in her community.

The Governor’s Service Awards program is coordinated by the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS), a division within CHFS. The Governor’s Office launched the volunteer awards program in 1975. Since 1995, the KCCVS has administered the program.

Lt. Gov. Hampton said she is appreciative of the recipients’ service to others.

“We are truly grateful to these volunteers for their tireless efforts, as well as the thousands of Kentuckians who serve their fellow citizens in need. I applaud the volunteers for giving generously of their time and talent.”

For more information about the Governor’s Service Awards, Kentucky’s AmeriCorps programs or volunteerism, call the KCCVS at 502-564-7420 or visit their website at www.chfs.ky.gov/ServeKY.