The City of Carrollton honored community volunteers for their hard work and dedication at the 17th Annual Citizens’ Evening event held Wednesday, February 26.

Individuals and organizations were nominated in four different categories for the 10th annual Carrollton Volunteer Awards: Neighborhood Leadership, Outstanding Community Organization, Volunteer of the Year, and Youth Volunteer of the Year facilitated by the City’s Community Development Division. These awards are designed to recognize individuals, organizations, and leaders who have gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional community service to the City of Carrollton and its residents.

“The City of Carrollton is grateful for the many volunteers whose service enhances the lives of its residents and visitors,” Community Services Manager Brian Passwaters said. “The Neighborhood Advisory Commission and Community Development Division were excited to recognize the volunteers who have contributed their time, efforts, and ideas in making our community such a great place to live, work, and play.”

Neighborhood Leadership Award Winner ꟷ Jennifer Maul oversees one of her community’s greatest assets, a neighborhood pool that provides recreational leisure to more than 40 residents. She has been involved throughout the process, from working with the City for the permits to coordinating pool access for all residents. She also directly worked with vendors on the pool’s construction and any ongoing repairs. Maul exemplifies leadership and decisiveness in striving to make the facility the best it can be.

Outstanding Community Organization Award Winner ꟷ Carrollton Host Lions Club is the oldest service club in Carrollton and touches almost every aspect of the community. In schools, they have provided free eye exams and eyeglasses to children. The Host Lions also provided a grant for Metrocrest Services to purchase a refrigerated truck to aid in the distribution of nutritious food to the community. Through their efforts, they demonstrate a commitment to their organization’s international motto “we serve.”  The award was accepted by members Cindy Castillo and Joycelynn Spellman.

Volunteer of the Year Award Winner ꟷ Mary Arronte is one of Metrocrest Services’ longest serving volunteers and has made an impact on Carrollton by serving neighbors in need. For 22 years, Arronte has served in nearly every volunteer capacity, impacting thousands of people through her efforts. Looking toward the future, Arronte still plans to collect plastic grocery bags for the food pantry and deliver them to Metrocrest Services monthly.

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award Winner ꟷ Marisol Martinez has impacted the community through her work with Metrocrest Resale, contributing more than 80 hours of her time in 2024. Her fellow volunteers describe her as kind, trustworthy, and helpful, always ready to solve problems that may seem impossible. As she is bilingual, Martinez has been instrumental in helping serve Spanish-speaking clients. Martinez even goes above and beyond outside of the Resale Store, helping in her school or community whenever she can.

For more information on how to get involved with the City’s volunteer needs, visit cityofcarrollton.com/volunteer.