Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps Team Members in Wis. Rapids, Nekoosa win Volunteer Award

For the City Times

Two members of the Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps Team working in central Wisconsin were awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award - Lifetime Achievement.

Megan Larson, Wisconsin Rapids, and Kate McDonald, Nekoosa, were presented the award, which recognizes 4,000 hours or more of volunteer service in a lifetime, at the team’s midterm training conference Jan. 11.

Currently, there are 75 members serving through the Clinic’s AmeriCorps program, which places individuals throughout the Clinic service area and all of Wisconsin.

Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps Team member Megan Larson, Wisconsin Rapids, recently was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award - Lifetime Achievement for her work with Healthy People Wood County. She is pictured with Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps Manager Brian Blahnik, left, and Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach Health Educator Shelly Kaiser, right. (Courtesy: Marshfield Clinic)[/caption]

“We are so proud of these members and the time they have dedicated in service to their communities,” said Brian Blahnik, Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps manager.

Larson works with Healthy People Wood County, has served with AmeriCorps since 2014 and is in her third full-time term. Her focus has been on the recruitment and management of volunteers in support of the substance abuse prevention work of her host site agency.

Kristie Rauter, Larson’s supervisor at Wood County, said Larson has been a tremendous asset to improving the health of Wood County residents.

“She is passionate about the health focus areas she is recruiting volunteers to help with and is always eager to expand her knowledge so she can be providing the best service,” Rauter said. “Her dedication to continuously building relationships and partnerships can been seen throughout her service in our office.”

McDonald works with the Nekoosa School District Afterschool Program. She is a member of the AmeriCorps’ Afterschool program. She, too, is in her third full time term of service having served since 2014.

Katie Peters, McDonald’s supervisor at Nekoosa School District, said McDonald is willing to go the extra step for each and every one of our students.

“Student success is her passion while serving and it shows in all of the smiles on the students’ faces whenever she walks in a room. The students and staff enjoy her presence and we all feel very grateful for all of the extra efforts she puts in every day to make things run smoothly.”