Honoring the State’s Most Dedicated Volunteers
Honoring the State’s Most Dedicated Volunteers
Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, Together SC, United Way Association of SC, and AmeriCorps SC are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Awards, which celebrate the remarkable contributions of volunteers across the state. These awards recognize individuals and organizations whose service has strengthened communities and improved lives, from disaster relief efforts to youth advocacy, business engagement, and nonprofit leadership.
The winners will be honored on February 26, 2025, during the SC Nonprofit Summit in Columbia, SC—South Carolina’s largest gathering of nonprofit leaders, community champions, and corporate partners committed to service and social impact.
“Volunteers are the backbone of strong communities,” said Karen Riordan, President & CEO of Together SC. “We are thrilled to recognize these extraordinary individuals and organizations for their leadership and dedication to serving South Carolina.”
"Our 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Award honorees embody a true service ethic," said Missy Santorum, Chairperson of the SC Commission on National and Community Service (AmeriCorps SC). “Each in their own right are inspirational for their profound gift of their time, effort, and love for their neighbors and for their fellow Americans.”
2025 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners:
Lifetime of Service Honoree: Rev. Dr. Reginald Thackston
A lifelong advocate for education, reentry programs, and racial reconciliation, Dr. Thackston has dedicated his life to building bridges, mentoring youth, and supporting communities in need across South Carolina.
Nominated by: Alston Wilkes Society
Legacy Volunteer of the Year: Peter A. Moore
A Spartanburg Regional Hospice volunteer since 2001, Peter has led community support and fundraising efforts to ensure compassionate care for families facing end-of-life challenges.
Nominated by: Spartanburg Regional Foundation
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Kailani Atkinson
As the International Ambassador for Champion Autism Network, Kailani began her volunteer journey at just 5 years old, advocating for autism awareness, accessibility, and inclusion.
Nominated by: Bryanne Atkinson
Direct Service Volunteer of the Year: Pamela J. Fall, M.D.
Dr. Fall has provided critical medical services to uninsured and underserved South Carolinians, ensuring access to quality healthcare and improving health outcomes statewide.
Nominated by: Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County
Robin Burns Volunteer Administrator of the Year: Angelina Williams
A U.S. military veteran and AmeriCorps SC alum, Angie has mentored dozens of civic leaders and expanded financial stability programs for vulnerable South Carolinians through Trident United Way.
Nominated by: United Way Association of South Carolina / SC Service Commission
AmeriCorps SC Member of the Year: Sabrina Lamaria Samuel
Sabrina has played a key role in screening over 71,400 children across all 46 counties for vision impairments, helping thousands receive critical early intervention care.
Nominated by: Impact America
Community Leader of the Year: Joshua Shumak
Through his role as Native American Affairs Program Coordinator at the SC Commission for Minority Affairs, Joshua has advanced policy and advocacy efforts benefiting South Carolina’s 14 recognized tribal entities.
Nominated by: Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians
Community Volunteer Group of the Year: Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County Youth Board
This dedicated youth board has championed mental health awareness and substance abuse prevention programs, empowering young leaders to create lasting change in their communities.
Nominated by: Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County
Business Volunteer Group of the Year: Joye Law Firm
Since 2016, Joye Law Firm has supported Landmarks for Families (formerly Carolina Youth Development Center), hosting an annual End-of-Summer Splash Party to bring joy to foster children in North Charleston.
Nominated by: Landmarks for Families
Disaster Response Volunteer Group of the Year: South Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief
SC Baptist Disaster Relief (SCBDR) volunteers played a critical role in the wake of Hurricane Helene, serving over 43,400 meals and assisting 1,300 families with cleanup and recovery efforts.
Nominated by: United Way Association of SC / AmeriCorps SC
Honoring South Carolina’s Volunteer Spirit
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards recognize the power of service to build a stronger, more connected South Carolina. These awardees embody compassion, leadership, and action—values that our nonprofit community celebrate every day.
For more information on the Governor’s Volunteer Awards visit togethersc.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
Contact:
Mark Weller
Executive Director - SC Commission on National and Community Service, AmeriCorps SC
mark.weller@uwasc.org | 803-920-4868
Brooke Robertson
Director of Strategic Communications & Member Experience, Together SC
Brooke@TogetherSC.org | (803) 745-8914