OKDHS Recognizes State Volunteers

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently honored a number of individuals who have significantly contributed to the state through their volunteer efforts. Two individuals were from Antlers and Moyers.
The State Volunteer Awards Ceremony, “Volunteers -- The Keys to Success,” was held at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City, with OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick and former Oklahoma First Lady Donna Nigh presenting the awards.

The youth award category recognizes the contributions of an individual volunteer of school age (6 to 22 years) or a group of students who, on a voluntary basis, engage in activities benefiting the community or individuals in an ongoing, meaningful way.

William Carter, a Moyers High School senior, was honored for the time he volunteers after school cleaning the Pre-Kindergarten building. He currently helps the maintenance worker every morning for an hour before his classes begin, and he receives no compensation or class credit.

Carter is also a volunteer fireman at the Hall Community where he serves with his family. Carter is on the academic team, National Honor Society, participates in 4-H, SWAT and is the co-captain of his basketball team.

Following graduation he plans to attend college and pursue a degree in teaching.

The Donna Nigh Award for Public Service was presented to Moyers resident Martha McMahan.

Since 1970, McMahan has served as secretary/treasurer for the Darwin and Miller cemeteries. She coordinates, sets up and serves monthly potluck dinners and is involved in all fundraising efforts for the Darwin Volunteer Fire Department.

McMahan cleans and decorates the Miller Baptist Church and prepares meals for the monthly men’s prayer meetings. At least two days a month she volunteers at both the Wildlife Heritage Center Museum and the Pushmataha County Historical Society.  McMahan has been on the Fair Board for 40 years and also served as secretary/treasurer for the Antlers Garden Club. In her spare time, she writes a weekly article for the Antlers American.

McMahan has provided more than 2,823 hours of volunteer service.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including volunteers, their family and friends and a number of state legislators.

“Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of this state,” said Karen Jacobs, Coordinator of the OKDHS Office of Volunteerism. “These folks spend countless hours volunteering their time, working to make Oklahoma a better state. They do it not for any glory or recognition, but simply because they have a caring and generous nature. We all owe these volunteers a debt of gratitude.”

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OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick, left, presents the “Leader of Tomorrow Award” to Antlers resident William Carter.

Moyers resident Martha McMahan, center, receives the “Donna Nigh Award for Public Service” from OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick and former First Lady Donna Nigh.