AARP Oklahoma Honors Volunteers' Outstanding Community Service in 2024 Andrus Awards and Volunteer Celebration

AARP Oklahoma's 2024 Andrus Awards and Volunteer Celebration virtually honored Oklahomans aged 50-plus for their dedicated volunteer work across the state. The Andrus Award for Community Service is named in honor of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus and is the highest honor presented by AARP.

The 2024 AARP Oklahoma Andrus Award was presented to Stewart Williams of Edmond for his extensive community service honoring Oklahoma veterans. As the Andrus Award honoree, Williams, received a $3,000 contribution which AARP Oklahoma will donate to William’s nonprofit organization of choice, WM Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens.

Williams’ extensive remarkable service greatly benefited his community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. Williams created the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens in Langston, Oklahoma. This space honors U.S. military veterans, particularly local aging veterans, and serves as a community engagement center. His efforts inspired widespread community participation, bridging generational gaps and fostering a culture of civic pride through various initiatives and partnerships.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism, and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Three additional Oklahomans were honored for their volunteer work and named as AARP Oklahoma honorees of distinction. The honorees include Anna Dockins of Vinita, Jean Bartow of Laverne, and Ellen Henson of Yukon. AARP will donate $1,000 to each of the three honorees' nonprofit organizations of choice in honor of their work. Dockins selected Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Bartow chose Laverne Lions Club and Henson designated Spanish Cove.

The virtual celebration also recognized volunteers and staff from Drivers Safety, Tax-Aide, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association (ORTA). Local chapters from Ardmore and Pittsburg County were honored with AARP Chapters of Excellence awards.

Longtime AARP and community volunteer Joe Ann Vermillion of McAlester received the AARP Oklahoma Legacy Award. Also, in a remarkable milestone, AARP Oklahoma Pittsburg County Chapter #1867 was recognized for 50 years of dedicated service to the community. Several Pittsburgh County chapter members, Joe Ann Vermillion, Mary Em, and Bob Bristow, were applauded for having served in state volunteer leadership as Volunteer State President and Executive Council members.

Watch the virtual here or visit www.facebook.com/AARPOK.