Community

   Roy Splawn, who has volunteered with Hospice of Rutherford County for four years, was recently presented a Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service. 

   This award, implemented by the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service in 2006, recognizes the “top 20” volunteers in the state. Medallion recipients are nominated at the county level, then evaluated by a panel of community service leaders from across the state. 

   Splawn serves as a grounds and maintenance volunteer. He began volunteering with Hospice of Rutherford County after his wife was a patient at the Hospice House. He volunteers several days each week and has logged more than 900 hours. 

   Splawn, who was recognized in 2013 as the Senior Volunteer of the Year in Rutherford County, said the Medallion award announcement laid on his porch for a few days before he opened it. “I was afraid to open something from the governor. When I found out what it was, I brought it straight to Hospice to Kim (Smith, director of volunteer services).”

Medallion Award recipients are honored at an annual recognition ceremony, where they receive a medallion signifying their accomplishments and service to the community.