A Saginaw teen entrepreneur and a 30 year old women’s group will be amongst the 42 recipients who will be honored at the 2023 Governor’s Service Awards later this month. Established to recognize those who go above and beyond, the statewide awards have been presented since 1994.
“Michiganders roll up their sleeves to help their communities and always have each other’s backs,” said Governor Whitmer. “That spirit of service and selflessness defines us and demonstrates the power of getting things done for the people and places you love most. Every year, we come together to honor those extraordinary Michiganders who go above and beyond to serve their community and this year is no different. I look forward to meeting and celebrating all the awardees from across Michigan and hearing their stories.”
While one local recipient is just beginning his community volunteerism and activism, another has been serving the community for three decades.
Julian Morris, founder of S.W.A.G. Magazine, received the Youth Volunteer of the Year award.
Julian, an 11th grader at Saginaw High School, has become a strong community voice on issues such as education loss, youth mental health and American Rescue Plan Act funding. In the last few years, he has spent upwards of 300 hours volunteering with the Heads-Up Mentoring Program, helping young students learn to read and write. He also serves with Saginaw STEM as a peer mentor on STEM Saturdays, teaches writing workshops at Jessie Rouse Elementary School, hosts a book club at Arthur Eddy Academy, and created an after-school journalism program at Thompson Middle School.
Women of Colors (WOC), who celebrated their 30th anniversary this year, received the Community Impact Award.
The grassroots nonprofit organization has served the Saginaw community since 1993. The organization is devoted to raising public awareness of substance use disorder prevention services and other public health issues through partnerships and collaborating with agencies and organizations dedicated to the well-being of the Saginaw community.
WOC Programs include the Students and Future Technology Program, Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS), annual Warm a Child for Winter Coat Giveaway, WOC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Boot Camp, WOC Community Forums, Stronger Together, and Your Voice Your Choice – Youth Explosion annual event.
The Michigan Community Service Commission will host the 2023 Governor’s Service Awards on Nov. 28, 7 p.m. at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Admission to the event is free, but registration is recommended.
