2021 Ad Astra Honors Recipients
For the second year, UWGT presented Ad Astra Honors to exceptional community volunteers. The community was invited to nominate volunteers in youth and professional categories, and UWGT staff and volunteers nominated their choice for the Marge Heeney Award, the honor reserved specifically for service to United Way.
Bryce Liedtke received the Ad Astra Youth Service to the Community Honor (ages 21 and younger). Brenda Blackman received the Ad Astra Professional Service to the Community Honor (ages 22 and older). Joe Beasley was recognized with the Marge Heeney Award for UWGT internal volunteer service.
We've shared a part of each recipient's nomination, but their volunteer accomplishments go far beyond what we've included here. If you see them around town, be sure to congratulate them!
Ad Astra Service to the Community (Professional/age 22+)
Brenda Blackman, Topeka Public Schools
"Ms. Blackman has been instrumental in getting the Harvesters Mobile Food pantry up and running this past year. Ms. Blackman does this as a volunteer and in addition to her duties here at Robinson Middle School. Ms. Blackman coordinates our monthly volunteers through United Way's volunteer site, she oversees the food distribution portion of our mobile food pantry. Ms. Blackman also maintains hygiene items in our school store that are free of charge to students to ensure their basic needs are met. Outside of school I know that Ms. Blackman also runs her own nonprofit and continues to volunteer her time in other ways to make a dynamic impact on our community."
Ad Astra Service to the Community (Youth/age 21)
Bryce Liedtke, Shawnee Heights graduate and current student at Washburn University
"Bryce was one of the founding members of the Topeka Youth Commission whose purpose is to create and influence positive policy changes that make Shawnee County a better place for youth. The program that was created over three years ago continues to grow and create positive impact. Whether Bryce is participating in events to increase voter registration, census completion, partnering with HCCI to help youth understand finances and filing of Income Tax, or even going to DC as one of Topeka’s top youth leaders to speak at the US Conference of Mayors, he has volunteered more time than most adults. As a Washburn University Leadership Institute Fellow he continues to volunteer for activities such as the High School Leadership Academy and the Leadership Challenge Event."
Marge Heeney United Way of Greater Topeka Volunteer of the Year
Joe Beasley, Capitol Federal
"Joe has been a tireless, vocal champion for United Way of Greater Topeka. He shows up for the work and the fun, bringing a motivating and positive vibe everywhere they go. He has an outstanding volunteer resume including serving as a United Way Campaign Ambassador, Nancy Perry Day of Caring volunteer, and an officer in the Young Leaders Society."
We'll be back next summer with another round of nominations and awards, so be sure to build your volunteer resume on TopekaVolunteers.org while you wait!