Jack Warnock Volunteer Award and National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Award

Black lab service dog wearing an award ribbonThe 2024 Award Nomination Period is Now Closed.
Canine Companions National Board of Directors has created volunteer awards to applaud volunteers with exceptional contributions and efforts. Each year, the national board of directors’ awards one volunteer with the Jack Warnock National Volunteer of the Year Award and five volunteers with the National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Award.
 
2024 volunteer award nominations are accepted from September 1 to October 15, 2024. Canine Companions volunteers and supporters can nominate one volunteer using the nomination form. Self-nominations are accepted. We will present the winners with awards in their respective regions during National Graduation Day in February 2025.  All winners will be notified in advance to allow time to make travel arrangements.
 

Nomination criteria

Nominees must: 
  • Show exceptional level of dedication and effort to the Canine Companions mission.
  • Be an active volunteer for at least one year  
  • Be a volunteer who has participated in a volunteer activity during the current calendar year. 
  • Be 16 years of age and older. 
  • Not have received the Jack Warnock Volunteer Service Award or the National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Service Award in the past three years. 
Selection criteria:  
  • For award nominees: The selection will be determined based upon review of the nomination criteria.  
  • For award winners: The selection will be based on the nominee’s level of volunteer efforts, accomplishments and community impact, as described on the nomination form. 
  • NOTE: Both selections are based on merit, without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, physical or mental disability. 

Past Winners

2023
Jack Warnock Volunteer Award Winner: Jane Nagy, Northeast Region
National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Awards:
Colleen Pars – North Central Region
Pam Durkin – Northwest Region
Mary Patterson – South Central Region
Marian Scopa – Southeast Region
Vanessa Graciano – Southwest Region

2022
Jack Warnock Volunteer Award Winner: Diesta Gundacker – Southeast Region
National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Awards:
Catherine Rupp – North Central Region
Debbie Byrne – South Central Region
Sheryl Ishizaki – Southwest Region
Laura de Rutte – Northwest Region
Eva LaMere – Northeast Region

2021
Jack Warnock Volunteer Award Winner: Kathy Zastrow  – Northwest Region
National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Awards:
Kevin Cullen, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret) – North Central Region
Jackie McCool – Northeast Region
Dr. Susan Ryan – Southwest Region
Mary Ashlyn Theide – Southeast Region
Dawn Thompson – South Central Region

Jack Warnock Award Winners Continued

2020
Chris Newbern
SCR

2019
Melayne Yokum
SWR

2018
Cathy Fischer
SER

2017
no winner

2016
Jackie Cheshire
NER

2015
Jeanne Curtin
NCR

2014
Joe Parrish
NCR

2013
Heather Ohmart
NWR

2012
Lance Weir
SWR

2011
Bonnie Stinson
NER

2010
Bill and M-L Reinking
NWR

2009
Dr. Rex Riggs
NCR

2008
Jo Ann Guise
SER

2007
Bonnie Mueller
SWR

2006
Nancy Baumann
SER

2005
Linda Cortez
NWR

2004
Alpha Sigma Phi
Ohio Wesleyan University
NCR

2003
Ann Fay Johnson (NCR), Amy Hagedorn (NER), Susan Winters (NER), Cath Philips (SWR), Bev Coke (NWR), Fonda Cerenzio (SER)

2002
Emily Williams
NWR

2001
Terri Smith
NWR

2000
William R White, III
SER