Celebrating People in Action: Community Service Awards

Every spring, HandsOn Kansas State partners with Community First National Bank to take nominations and select four outstanding individuals and groups in the Manhattan community who are devoted to service.

The recipients give their time and talents to address critical needs in Manhattan and are deserving of recognition for their leadership. Celebrating People in Action awards are presented each spring at Celebrating Service and Leadership, hosted by the Staley School of Leadership. As part of their award, each recipient receives a $250 check to donate to a nonprofit organization of their choice.

2024
Outstanding Student Volunteer Jayci Shepard
Outstanding Student Organization Rotaract
Outstanding Community Organization Common Table
Outstanding Service Champion Jack Sytsma

2023
Outstanding Student Volunteer Andrew Phipps
Outstanding Student Organization Food Security Scholars
Outstanding Community Organization Be Able
Outstanding Service Champion Karla Hagemeister

2022
Outstanding Student Volunteer Jade Valdez-Gomez
Outstanding Student Organization K-State Mortar Board
Outstanding Community Organization Manhattan MLK Memorial Committee
Outstanding Service Champion Bill Spiegel

2021
Outstanding Student Volunteer Michael Porter
Outstanding Student Organization MANNRS: Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences
Outstanding Community Organization LaFene Health Center
Outstanding Service Champion Ericka Bauer

2019
Outstanding Student Volunteer Jessie Carr
Outstanding Student Organization K-State H.A.L.O.
Outstanding Community Organization UFM Community Learning Center
Outstanding Service Champion Vickie James

2018
Outstanding Student Volunteer Christine Rock
Outstanding Student Organization Rotaract Club of Kansas State University
Outstanding Community Organization Cats' Cupboard
Outstanding Service Champion Marianne Cullers

2017
Outstanding Student Volunteer Erin Hildreth
Outstanding Student Organization Associated General Contractors Student Chapter
Outstanding Community Organization City of Manhattan Parks and Rec Department, City of Manhattan Codes and Services
Outstanding Service Champion Debbie Nuss

Check out the previous award recipients.