Celebrating the Heart of Our Community - VOLUNTEERS.
Youth & Volunteer Awards Celebration
Each year, United Way of Northwest Georgia proudly recognizes the outstanding youth and volunteers who go above and beyond to serve and strengthen our community through the Youth & Volunteer Awards Celebration.
This special event honors individuals who are making a meaningful impact across Northwest Georgia through service, leadership, and compassion. From student volunteers to dedicated community changemakers, we celebrate those who are helping build a stronger, more connected community for all while reflecting on the power of volunteerism, recognizing extraordinary service, and inspiring others to get involved.
Browse the photo gallery below to see highlights from past celebrations and the incredible individuals who make our community brighter through their service.
Our 2026 Volunteer Celebration was made possible by:
2026 Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship Recipients:
Valeria Alvarez, Dalton High School & Emely Aguirre, Dalton High School.
Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship
Shaw Industries partners with the United Way of Northwest Georgia to offer the
Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship to two high school seniors and/or juniors.
The scholarship is awarded annually during our Youth and Volunteer Awards
Celebration each April.
Don't forget to keep track of your 2026 volunteer hours!
2026 Volunteer Log
Adult Volunteer Awards
The minimum hour requirement for one of United Way’s competitive adult awards is 100 hours.
Nominated recipients will have the opportunity to receive the Elaine Butler or Connie Woodward Award for outstanding volunteerism.
Recipients are awarded annually during our Youth and Volunteer Awards Celebration each April, during National Volunteer Week.
Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County
2026 Recipient: Liliana Rivera
Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County
2026 Recipient: Heath Harrison
Youth Volunteer of the Year
2026 Youth Volunteer of the Year Recipient: Matthew Lewallen, Christian Heritage School
United Way honors youth volunteers in Whitfield and Murray counties whose service has exemplified a commitment to bring hope, promise, and opportunity to the lives of others. Students who earned a Volunteer Service Award will receive the award at their school's awards banquet or from the school counseling office.
The United Way Volunteer Service Award
Any individual, family, or group can receive the United Way Volunteer Service Award for volunteer service hours earned over 12 months or over the course of a lifetime at home or abroad.
The following are the eligibility requirements for each age group:
Kids: Age 5-10
Teens: 11-15
Young Adults: Individual Age 16-25
Adults: Individual Age 26 +
Family & Groups: Two or more people, each contributing at least 25 hours toward the total.
Volunteer Service Award Criteria
Bronze Level
Kids: 26 to 49 hours
Teens: 50 to 74 hours
Young Adults: 100 to 174 hours
Adults: 100 to 249 hours
Family & Groups: 200 to 499 hours
Silver Level
Kids: 50 to 74 hours
Teens: 75 to 99 hours
Young Adults: 175 to 249 hours
Adults: 250 to 499 hours
Family & Groups: 500 to 999 hours
Gold Level
Kids: 75 hours or more
Teens: 100 hours or more
Young Adults: 250 hours or more
Adults: 500 hours or more
Family & Groups: 1000 hours or more