Honored Volunteers – August 2021

Congratulations to recipients of the Lt. Governor’s Volunteer Recognition Certificate in August of 2021. The contributions made by these volunteers make lasting impacts on communities across our state.


Parker Guzman was recognized by the Guadalupe School Adult Education for two years of service.

We would like to recognize Parker Guzman’s contribution to Guadalupe Adult Education, where he has volunteered as an English as a Second Language tutor for the last two years. His service has impacted the lives of his students in such a positive way, and his presence during the difficulties of the pandemic helped us keep the program running smoothly.


Mark Madsen was recognized by the Family Support Center for 3 months of service.

Mark Madsen is a volunteer who has gone above and beyond volunteering at the Family Support Center’s LifeStart Village. He has dedicated his time and expertise in remodeling a unit at LifeStart Village, where 38 single-parent families live coming from backgrounds of domestic violence, substance abuse, or homelessness. Originally connected with our organization through his work, Dal Tile, Mark has risen above the call of duty. He has spent many late nights and weekends helping ensure the remodel is completed.

Once the unit is finished, a new single-parent family will move in and start their journey to self-sufficiency. Residents and staff of LifeStart say he creates a happy and welcome presence at the Village. He has made a tremendous impact during his 3 months of service.

Mark has given hours of his expertise and skills. From leveling and laying floors, painting walls, laying tile, installing plumbing, he has truly given his all to this unit. The Family Support Center couldn’t be more grateful for Mark’s support. Thanks to Mark we will not only be able to move one family into this unit, but many families for years to come. Thank you, Mark!


Saxon Sharpe was recognized by the Humane Society of Moab Valley for 7 years of service.

In over a decade of working for the Humane Society of Moab Valley I have had the honor to meet amazing individuals that volunteer in many ways on behalf of those that have no voice, the homeless dogs and cats in our community. It warms my heart to know that others, like myself, have such a great passion for In over a decade of working for the Humane Society of Moab Valley I have had the honor to meet amazing individuals that volunteer in many ways on behalf of those that have no voice, the homeless dogs and cats in our community. It warms my heart to know that others, like myself, have such a great passion for volunteerism. The volunteer I am writing about is Saxon Sharpe and she is extraordinary. She has used her time and talents serving as a volunteer and member of our board of directors for more than 7 years. She wrote grants and helped with fundraising. Her vision for the future of the organization as well as her leadership has helped us become more knowledgeable, transparent and accountable. She encouraged our board of directors and staff to complete all 9 Utah Non-Profits Association trainings achieving the UNA Credential Program in 2021; as well as becoming a Guidestar Platinum Member and accreditation with the Utah Better Business Bureau. Thanks to her efforts, we are the ONLY nonprofit in Utah to achieve these three milestones. Her passion to succeed didn’t stop there. She also worked at the shelter with two special needs dogs. One Pit Bull mix, named Daisy who had an injured leg and was unable to put weight on it. The other dog was a Foxhound named JoJo that was uncomfortable with people and generally the world around him. But with patience and a little rehabilitation both dogs began to thrive and now live happily with their new forever families. Saxon’s term on our board of directors is about to end. I’m thrilled to say that she promises to continue to volunteer with HSMV. She has been a joy to work with and an inspiration for us all.


Leanne Spencer was recognized by the Family Support Center for 8 months of service.

She Family Support Center is filled with gratitude for the time and dedication Leanne Spencer has given to the organization. Not only has she has made an impact on our clients, but also in the lives of those she’s worked beside. She was nominated for this award by our Executive Director, her dedication is noticed by all who know her. Leanne has been an intern with the Family Support Center for 8 months and the staff at the Family Support Center can hardly imagine what working was like before her time with us.

From hosting a LIVE tour of a community library, doing story times that promote inclusivity and acceptance, and finding connections for silent auctions, partnerships, and more- Leanne has gone above and beyond to create connections and opportunities within the community. She always shows up with a smile and a fantastic attitude. There is no one we feel is more deserving of this award than Leanne.


To nominate an outstanding volunteer visit userve.utah.gov/recognize