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Patricia Parsons. File photo.
LANSING — A Fountain woman and an Oceana County youth organization are among 33 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations selected to receive the 2026 Governor’s Service Awards for their commitment to volunteerism and community service.
Patricia Parsons of Fountain will receive a Volunteer of the Year Award, while the Oceana Youth Leadership Lab of Shelby will receive a Youth Impact Award. Both honorees have contributed to projects benefiting residents of Mason and Oceana counties.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission announced the recipients Oct. 28. The awards will be presented Thursday, Nov. 19, during a ceremony in Flint.
Patricia Parsons
Parsons is being recognized for years of volunteer service supporting agricultural research, education, community development and charitable organizations throughout the area.
According to her award biography, Parsons has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours since 2019 to West Central Michigan Horticultural Research Inc., a nonprofit organization that partners with Michigan State University to advance agricultural research.
Her efforts have helped develop educational programs, including middle school agricultural camps and elementary school field days that introduce young people to agriculture and its importance to the region.
Parsons also played a key role in the development of the Earl and Linda Peterson West Michigan Research Station, located at 5185 N. Oceana Drive in Weare Township in Oceana County.
The 10,000-square-foot research station, located on 68 acres of farmland, opened in August 2021. It was established to conduct agricultural research benefiting growers in Mason, Oceana and Newaygo counties, with an emphasis on fruit production.
Parsons, who served as administrator of the research station project, was recognized during its grand opening for her contributions to its development.
Her volunteer work extends beyond agricultural research. She has helped raise funds for schools, supported blood drives and participated in community initiatives addressing local needs.
Parsons worked alongside Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli and community supporters Earl and Linda Peterson to help advance projects including Shelby Township Park and the Tiger Athletic Community Center.
Since 2023, she has volunteered with Oceana County Development Corps and several other organizations, supporting efforts to furnish new affordable housing developments throughout Oceana County.
Her award biography also recognizes her continued commitment to volunteerism despite experiencing personal loss, noting her work to provide encouragement, resources and assistance to people across generations.
Andrew Riley, who nominated Parsons for the award, described her volunteer efforts as reaching people of all ages throughout Oceana County and surrounding counties.
“Patricia is truly a walking inspiration of unconditional love and care for others,” Riley said.
Oceana Youth Leadership Lab
The Oceana Youth Leadership Lab is being recognized for its work developing young leaders and encouraging community service throughout Oceana and Mason counties.
Founded in September 2023, the volunteer-led organization consists of Oceana County youth ages 15 to 17 who identify community needs and develop projects to address them.
The organization is advised by leaders from the American Youth Foundation’s Camp Miniwanca, located near Stony Lake in Benona Township.
According to its award biography, the organization was inspired by students who attended a national leadership conference and returned home determined to put their experiences into practice.
Rather than waiting for existing volunteer opportunities, the students organized themselves to identify local challenges and develop projects intended to improve the well-being of residents in Oceana and neighboring Mason County.
The organization emphasizes leadership through direct involvement in community service, giving members opportunities to develop confidence, collaboration and civic responsibility while working together on community projects.
Its approach encourages young people to recognize their ability to contribute to their communities and take responsibility for organizing efforts that address local needs.
Although the organization is only three years old, the Michigan Community Service Commission recognized its efforts to establish a model for youth engagement and community leadership.
The lab continues to recruit new members, encourage collaboration and provide opportunities for participating students to develop leadership skills and contribute ideas for improving their communities.
The commission recognized the organization’s emphasis on empowering young people to become active participants in community development rather than waiting until adulthood to assume leadership roles.
Governor’s Service Awards
The Governor’s Service Awards have been presented since 1994 to recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding commitment to volunteerism and public service.
The Michigan Community Service Commission supports volunteers, organizations and businesses that contribute to their communities through service.
Whitmer said the awards recognize Michiganders who go beyond their everyday responsibilities to help their neighbors and strengthen communities.
Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes said the awards celebrate the impact of volunteers and organizations throughout the state.
The Nov. 19 awards ceremony in Flint is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
For more information about the recipients and the awards ceremony, visit michigan.gov/GovernorsServiceAwards.
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