DHS Recognizes State Volunteers Gore High School senior Noah Batesole receives "Leader of Tomorrow" award

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) recently honored a number of groups and individuals for their volunteerism at a statewide ceremony held at the Oklahoma History Center.

The 2015 Volunteer/Partner Recognition Awards is an annual event spotlighting Oklahomans who volunteer their time and effort in making positive changes in the lives of others.

DHS Director Ed Lake presented the awards and commended each individual for helping bridge the gap between public and private agencies and people in need. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to be here, and to thank each of you for your service,” Lake said.  “You really do make a world of difference in our state, and to those whose lives you touch with your selfless work.  Thank you for all you do.”

The “Leader of Tomorrow” award was presented to Gore High School senior Noah Batesole.  He is the student council president, a member of the student council, and also volunteers at the local boys and girls club.

Batesole has been a four-year starter on the Gore football team and three-year district player.  During that time he also volunteered at the Gore Nursing Home.  In addition, he serves his community by working with the Muskogee Night Hawks Civil Air Patrol.  He has helped with several search and rescue missions, and last year his unit named him “Cadet of the Year.”  Batesole also joins his peers at church where he leads small groups and volunteers as a counselor at church camps.

Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement, said volunteers are the lifeblood of the state.

“I have the best job in the world,” Jacobs said.  “I get to see first-hand the work these individuals do and how they are impacting the lives of so many.  On a daily basis they give of themselves and do not ask for anything in return.  This awards ceremony is simply our way of shining the spotlight on them for a moment and saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done.”

Recent figures show that more than 735,000 Oklahoma volunteers provided 85.4 million hours of service, equating to $1.9 billion of service contributed.  Oklahoma ranks 28th among the 50 states, with 26.6 percent of residents participating in volunteer efforts.

###

Cutline:  Gore High School senior Noah Batesole receives the “Leader of Tomorrow” award from DHS Director Ed Lake.