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Idaho volunteers honored for compassionate spirit and generosity

On Wednesday, 79 generous Idahoans from across the state were honored at the Idaho Brightest Stars award ceremony.

Fun fact that may come as no surprise to many of you: Idaho is ranked fifth in the country for volunteering by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

On Wednesday, 79 generous Idahoans from across the state were honored at the Idaho Brightest Stars award ceremony.

This event celebrates the dedication and accomplishments of Idahoans and is a means for the state to acknowledge the dedication and time that people contribute to making their communities better.

Awards were handed out by Serve Idaho, the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism, which is a part of the Idaho Department of Labor.

There are seven categories for Idaho's Brightest Star nominees: Business, Individual, Individual 55 and older, Nonprofit/Public Organization, Student, Teacher/Professor and Veteran. People were nominated by fellow Idahoans for their contributions that represent the kind and compassionate spirit of Idahoans.

The one brightest star in each category was then selected by a community review panel.

Some of the winners include Ashton Elementary School's first- and second-grade teachers for all their work in putting on a decades-old tradition at the school called "operettas".

"Ah! Did you see my face? I was so excited! We drove a long ways," first-grade teacher Shawna Boles told KTVB. "The operetta is where first- and second-graders, all the students together, perform a singing, dancing, play, speaking parts. And it can be on many different topics."

Another star was Timberline High schooler Graham Elder for serving in Guatemala and spending hours volunteering at the food bank and St. Luke's.

"My mom instilled it in me pretty young, she likes to give time as well. She does work as a nurse in the St. Luke's system as well so she got me started there. And I just love helping others, I guess. The feeling it gives me to help someone, see how it benefits their day more than it benefits mine."

Lt. Gov. Brad Little handed out the awards and says he's humbled by the number of Idahoans committed to making life better for others. He says their leadership, vision, time and determination benefit not only their communities, but our entire state.

"Volunteerism is a gift that benefits citizens and addresses needs in communities throughout our state," Lt. Gov. Brad Little said. "These men and women are not seeking recognition, but it is important to acknowledge these Brightest Star recipients and their generous commitment to giving to others and ensuring a bright future for all citizens."

This year's recognized volunteer leaders were:

• Business: Molina Medicaid Solutions of Idaho, Boise

• Individual: Catherine Riddle, Idaho Falls

• Individual 55+: Bette Stone, Craigmont

• Nonprofit/Public Organization: Camp Rainbow Gold, Boise

• Student: Graham Elder, Boise

• Teacher/Professor: Ashton Elementary Teachers, Ashton

• Veteran: Truman Stewart, Boise

Visit the Serve Idaho website to see a list of all of the nominees. One nominee was Kim Fields' mom, Elizabeth Fields!

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