It takes hearts of service to make the Gilmer Cartecay Youth Mountain Bike Team a success. While Team Cartecay has earned success racing, it has also been fostering a heart for championing service to the community.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (PCSCP) has recognized Team Cartecay as a volunteer certifying organization.
The PCSCP founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) in 2003 to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals who are using their time and talents to positively impact communities.
The team is honored to be recognized that its youth development program is a positive change agent within our region, and several individuals were recipients of the PVSA
Student-athletes Lorenzo Alonso and Louisa Alonso were awarded the Gold Medallion for volunteering 257 hours and 225 hours, respectively. Their service hours were recorded for service above and beyond the normal team operations, including trail maintenance, fundraising efforts, setting up for events, maintaining team equipment, organizing first aid supplies and serving as advocates for outdoor opportunities for youth and families.
Coaches Lisa Adams, Nip Adams, Dondi Fontenot, Jennifer Fontenot, Stephanie Giet, Ashley Gray, Chris Gray, Chris Harbin, Leigh Ann Harbin, Denise Hoek, Russ Hoek, Doug Moore, Naomi Moore, Sabrina Sullivan, and Rita Thrasher all received the Bronze certificate for their volunteer work directly with the student-athletes. Each provided 100 hours or more of volunteer service.
Larry Alonso and Laura Lea Alonso each received the Gold certificate for providing more than 500 hours each during the 2020 season to the overall functioning of Team Cartecay.
The regular season begins July 8 and Team Cartecay welcomes new students in sixth through 12th grade, as well as adult volunteers. To learn more about getting involved with Team Cartecay visit Teamcartecay.com or the Gilmer Youth Mountain Bike Team’s Facebook page.
(By Gilmer Cartecay Youth Mountain Bike Team)