RALEIGH – Jonathan A. Jones of Gates County was recently recognized in a ceremony at the old House chamber of the State Capitol in Raleigh as one of 21 winners across the state as 2016 winners of the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service.

After remarks from Governor McCrory, medallions were passed out by Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Susan Klutzz.

Jones, who manages the State Employees’ Credit Union in Gates County, volunteers much of his time for the children of Gatesville Elementary School PTA. He has been in charge of the fundraising for the school’s PTA, which raised over $30,000 to assist Gatesville Elementary in obtaining a new playground and other projects.

Jones also volunteers with 4H and serves on the Planning Board and DSS Board. He has helped with the Gates County Wounded Warriors Turkey Hunt the last four years and helps with the Northeast Search and Rescue Group. He also coaches youth soccer, t-ball and softball and serves on the Gates County High School football “Chain Gang”.

Recipients of the 2016 Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service were from 21 counties throughout the state, ranging from teenagers in high school to others nearly 90-years-old and above and were recognized for service in 11 categories.

“The volunteers recognized today are the best of North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “This year’s recipients did not volunteer to be recognized or receive credit. However their actions help make our state a better place and inspire others to give back to their communities.”

The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service within the Office of Governor McCrory grants awards to nominees in categories including individual, family, group/team, youth, senior, mentor, faith-based, disaster, national service, corporate/business, perseverance in volunteerism and lifetime achievement.

Other award recipients from across North Carolina were Donna Ethier of Catawba County, Jesse Milliken of Union County, William Rowland of Lenoir County, Patricia Likes of Lee County, Henry Thornton of Rockingham County, Linda Walters of Durham County, Cassandra Jones Garrison of Dare County, Barbara Roberts of Alamance County, Jane Dennis of Mecklenburg County, Clara To of Orange County, Lillian Wright of New Hanover County, CPM Wolverine Proctor of Davidson County, Kelli Crawford of Guilford County, Ann Lowder of McDowell County, Dan Pearson of Forsyth County, Gary Poe of Ashe County, Arthur Kluttz of Cabarrus County, Dr. Pelham Thomas of Jackson County, the Haywood County Baptist Men Association, and the Randolph County Hospital Volunteer Mentor Team.