Milton celebrated volunteers who make our community better in so many ways, welcoming them to City Hall and bestowing a handful of special awards on Thursday evening.

Scores of citizens from a range of organizations packed Council Chambers to enjoy an Italian feast, the company of fellow do-gooders, and the City’s gratitude at our 2024 Volunteer Dinner.

“In Milton, we’re more than neighbors – we’re a family,” Mayor Peyton Jamison said. “… We work together, and we give back. … We are gathered here tonight to celebrate those who put service before self.”

Some of these volunteers’ contributions directly relate to the City’s government, like committee members and those in Fire Corps who support Milton firefighters. Others have had more varied, general impacts such as those involved in the Milton Arts Council, National Charity League, Young Men’s Service League, and Scout groups.

“People like you don’t give of their time and energy for any accolades or attention,” said Community Outreach Manager Emily Salerno, who organized the event and often coordinates with volunteers. “You do it because you want to make this world better. And you definitely do.”

Several honors were given out during Thursday’s festivities.

Two Legacy Awards went to outstanding individuals we lost last year, with their respective spouses accepting plaques on their behalf. Marc Arrington was Milton’s Mr. Green treasured as a caring, considerate, hands-on environmental steward who the City could count on to handle recycling tasks at events. The other recipient was Marlysa Raye-Jacobus, an active and beloved community member who strengthened the City’s relationship with the North Fulton Master Gardeners.   

Volunteer Group of the Year honors went to the Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Started in fall 2022 by a handful of Milton Moms, this group now has more than 100 members and has collected over a half-million dollars – with its most well-known fundraiser being the Down and Derby Fundraiser at Chukkar Farm – for music therapy and specialized camps for pediatric patients 

Three individuals earned Volunteer of the Year awards. Annettee Higgins won a silver-level award for her selfless efforts in building and maintaining the Misty Meadow Duck Refuge, a 5-acre oasis for over 70 injured and abandoned ducks as well as rescued chickens, geese, turkeys, peacocks, cats, dogs, ponies, and even an abandoned tortoise. Nithin Kumar likewise took home silver-level honors – in his case for popular Rubik’s Cube solving lessons he’s offered to children of all ages.

The ceremony culminated with the announcement of the night’s top prize: the Golden Horseshoe Service Award. It was given to Bill Lusk, whose impact can be seen in the 880 veterans memorial markers out now placed around the city as well as numerous historical plaques.

One of Milton’s first City Councilmembers, Lusk founded the Milton Veterans Memorial Markers – personally making and paying for most of its first ones, then overseeing the non-profit’s growth and tradition around every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He is also the founding President and still active member of the Milton Historical Society, having recently helped restore the Double Branch Courthouse and secured the donation of the 1830s-era McConnell-Chadwick House to the City.  

“His passion for these organizations and initiatives, and generally his dedication to the Milton community, is unparalleled,” said Mayor Jamison. “As such, it is fitting that he is the recipient of the City’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year award.” 

In heartfelt remarks afterward, Lusk graciously thanked all those who worked with him on these and other efforts – insisting they’ll all been instrumental in these organizations, and the City’s, success.

The Mayor concluded the ceremony by again thanking the gathered volunteers and encouraging them to continue their selfless ways.

“Let’s carry forward the spirit of service and unity we’ve celebrated here,” he said. “Remember that every act of kindness, big or small, strengthens the bonds that make our city exceptional.”