On April 21, Governor Jack Markell’s office honored some of Delaware’s best and brightest students who use their time to help others. The 2011 Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards’ inspiring program recognized these students, including Success Won’t Wait’s own longtime volunteer Matthew Ryan McNeill.

Matt was one of five students honored with an individual Governor’s Youth Service Volunteer Award for community service. Matt was nominated by Success Won’t Wait co-founder Vincenza Carrieri-Russo for his volunteer service for Success Won’t Wait over the course of 8+ years, as well as leadership positions in numerous projects. These included a 2,500 book donation to the Delaware Division of Public Libraries for the summer reading program and a 750 book donation to the annual Toys for Tots toy drive.

Other community service award recipients included Jessicamarie Morris, Krysta Pritchett, Emma Rider and Marius Sander. The awards were presented to outstanding young people who participate in diverse activities such as feeding the hungry, improving the environment, and of course, fighting illiteracy. These awards, however,  represent only some of the many thousands of Delawareans who make positive contributions to society, and inspire others to do the same.

Congratulations to all of the winners and the many nominees. Thank you for making Delaware a very special place to live!