Honoring Service and Leadership:
2026 Youth & Volunteer Award Winners
United Way of Northwest Georgia hosted its third Annual Youth and Volunteer Awards Celebration on Monday, April 13, at Dalton Utilities—an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring outstanding volunteers and young leaders across Whitfield and Murray counties. We are grateful for our sponsors: Community Foundation of NWGA, Dalton Utilities, Kiwanis Club of Dalton, Engineered Floors, Mohawk Industries, and Shaw Industries. United Way honors volunteers in Whitfield and Murray counties whose service has exemplified a commitment to bringing hope, promise, and opportunity to the lives of others.
Adult Volunteer Awards
Elaine Butler Award
Heath Harrison received the Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County, presented by Carlene Mutter, daughter of Elaine Butler and Stephanie Skojac, Murray County 4-H Extension Agent, for dedicating over 143 volunteer hours to Murray County. A steady and trusted leader within Murray County 4-H, Heath serves wherever he’s needed—from Cloverleaf Camp at Rock Eagle to after-school programs, council meetings, and special events. Known for his patience and encouragement, he creates a safe, welcoming environment where youth feel supported and valued. His commitment to inclusion, especially in ensuring his son Isaac’s full participation, reflects his belief that every child deserves to belong. Murray County is incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring community leader.
Connie Woodward Award
Liliana Rivera received the Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County, presented by George Woodward, son of Connie Woodward, and Yurilen Aviles, CASA Volunteer Supervisor, for dedicating over 125 volunteer hours in 2025. A dedicated CASA volunteer, Liliana is a powerful advocate for children in foster care—ensuring their voices are heard, and their needs are never overlooked. She walks alongside families during difficult seasons, offering steady support, compassion, and guidance. Known for her warmth and persistence, she builds lasting relationships that extend far beyond her cases. Her work creates stability, trust, and hope for some of our community’s most vulnerable youth. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring community leader.
Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarships
In honor of the legacy of Elbert Shaw’s commitment to volunteer service and youth development, Shaw Industries annually partners with United Way of Northwest Georgia to offer two $5,000 scholarships for high school students. The Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship seeks to recognize young people who are active, empowered members of our community. The scholarship recognizes students who work alongside peers and community leaders to create positive change by identifying challenges and implementing solutions. Volunteer Center Cabinet Member, Amy Bradford, Sr. Corporate Recruiter at Shaw Industries, and Elbert Shaw’s granddaughter, Volunteer Center Cabinet Member Emily Sane, Cause Marketing Program Manager at Shaw Industries, presented the scholarships to Valeria Alvarez and Emely Aguirre.
Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarships Recipients
Valeria, a senior at Dalton High School, was awarded the Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship for her 263 hours of service in 2025. She exemplifies leadership through service—volunteering weekly at her church through music ministry, mentoring younger students, and supporting community efforts through the Salvation Army and local clean-up initiatives. She has also taken on leadership roles, helping guide youth retreats and bring her peers together through school events. Known for her empathy, humility, and heart for others, Valeria is deeply committed to making a difference. She plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology this fall.
Emely, a senior at Dalton High School, was awarded the Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship for her 173 hours of service in 2025. She exemplifies leadership through service—serving as President of both HoPe Club and Interact Club, leading outreach efforts, and mobilizing nearly 40 students to support the Salvation Army through volunteer initiatives. As a Youth United Ambassador, she has strengthened her leadership while engaging others in meaningful service. Known for her ability to bring people together, Emely leads with courage, passion, and heart—creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and inspired to serve. She plans to pursue a degree in early childhood education at Dalton State College.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Each year, United Way honors a young leader who goes above and beyond to strengthen our community and embodies its mission through outstanding volunteerism and leadership.
Matthew Lewallen, a senior at Christian Heritage School, received the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Marianne Murry, past Chair of the Volunteer Center Cabinet. With over 170 volunteer hours in 2025, Matthew exemplifies leadership through service—supporting local organizations like City of Refuge, Boys and Girls Club, and Providence Ministries, while also serving internationally in Guatemala. A Youth United Ambassador, Matthew leads by example, mentoring peers and encouraging others to get involved. He also founded a STEM tutoring program at his school, helping students build confidence and achieve more. Known for his heart for others and ability to build meaningful connections, Matthew plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.
Youth United Council
Paige Brown, Volunteer Center Cabinet Co-Chair, and Hayley Poillucci, Director of Volunteer Engagement, presented our 32 United Way Youth United Council Members with their certificates and graduation cords and our 13 United Way Youth United Ambassadors with their certificates and graduation stoles. The Youth United Council is a leadership program of United Way of Northwest Georgia, featuring a curriculum from the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development through its ‘Youth Leadership in Action’ program. Designed to build leadership skills, foster teamwork, and encourage civic engagement, the program helps students develop the tools needed for a successful transition into adulthood.
The Youth United Ambassadors have taken their leadership to the next level—planning volunteer projects, leading impactful fundraisers, and helping bring United Way’s Campaign Kickoff to life. Throughout the year, they’ve focused their work on four key areas: Youth Opportunity, Community Resiliency, Financial Security, and Healthy Communities.
They’ve put what they’ve learned from Youth United Council into action while also welcoming and mentoring the next generation of Youth United members.
Youth United Council Class of 2026
Youth United Junior Class of 2026: Leola Bethel, Dalton High School; Cesar Hernandez, Dalton High School; Joy Lin, Dalton High School; Jose Lopez Acevedo, Southeast Whitfield High School; Jiya Patel, Northwest Whitfield High School; Callie Pendley, Christian Heritage School; Jimena Sanchez Garcia, Southeast Whitfield High School; Gael Santana, Dalton High School; Anthony Skojac, North Murray High School; John Stanley, Christian Heritage School
Youth United Senior Class of 2026: Rebekah Bridges, Northwest Whitfield High School; *Brynlee Burch, Southeast Whitfield High School; Melanie Castrejon Valle, Dalton High School; Rachel Edwards, Northwest Whitfield High School; Campbell Fox, Dalton High School; Zacari Garcia, Dalton High School; Caroline Harnois, Southeast Whitfield High School; Davis Haynes, Dalton High School; Amna Hussein, Dalton High School; Cadie Jones, Coahulla Creek High School; Hiam Maldonado, Dalton High School; Cade Marti, Coahulla Creek High School; Jordan McClain, North Murray High School; Daphne Nguyen, Christian Heritage School; Dominique Palacio, North Murray High School; Sindy Posada, Dalton High School; Asher Renfroe, Dalton High School; George Ross, Dalton High School; Rhett Simmons, Dalton High School; Layla Smith, Dalton High School; Emilee Stansell, Dalton High School; Blakely Thornton, Dalton High School
*Perfect Attendance
Youth United Ambassadors 2026
Youth United Ambassadors Class of 2026: Emely Aguirre, Dalton High School; Victoria Amaro, Dalton High School; Charlie Andersen, Dalton High School; Collier Andersen, Dalton High School; Landon Atkins, North Murray High School; Charlie Beckler, Dalton High School; Jackson Callaway, Dalton High School; Layla Cardona, Coahulla Creek High School; Macy Duarte, Christian Heritage School; Lucy Hester, Dalton High School; Matthew Lewallen, Christian Heritage School; Janet Montoya, Dalton High School; Andrea Vazquez, Southeast Whitfield High School
United Way Volunteer Service Awards
The United Way Volunteer Service Awards honor individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action. This spring, the United Way Volunteer Center Cabinet will present 43 Volunteer Service Awards to students at their school awards banquets. That equals over 9,260 volunteer hours!!
Volunteer Center Cabinet
United Way of Northwest Georgia's Volunteer Center Cabinet (VCC) plays a vital role in meeting corporate and community needs by mobilizing volunteers, fostering leadership development, and recognizing those who make a difference. Together, we drive impact in financial security, health, youth opportunity, and community resiliency. A special thank you to our VCC for all their hard work!
2026 VCC Members: Sandee Hooper, VCC Chair, Community Volunteer; Paige Brown, VCC Co-Chair, Marketing Alliance Group
Amy Bradford, Shaw Industries Group; Brandy Boling, Dalton Utilities/OptiLink; Will Chappell, Dalton Parks and Recreation; Carla Fain, Simply Organized by Carla; Kim Harper, Engineered Floors; Amy Hartline, Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful; Justin Hicks, Mohawk Industries; Jamie Jones, Community Volunteer; Andrea Lanier – Mannington Mills; Zac Long, Overlooked Materials; Marianne Murry, MurMade; Jennifer Phinney, Georgia Department of Education; Kelly Ragan, Dalton Trade Center; Patti Renz – Community Volunteer; Emily Sane, Shaw Industries; Jonathan Sierra, Marketing Alliance Group
Ready to make a difference? Get involved with United Way of Northwest Georgia by visiting volunteernwga.org or contacting Hayley Poillucci at hayley.poillucci@ourunitedway.org. Learn more at ourunitedway.org and follow @unitedwaynwga. United is the way we build a stronger, more connected community..