Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

November 14, 2020 - Yosemite National Park proudly announces the recipients of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Awards. These awards are bestowed annually to outstanding volunteers in several different categories, recognizing exemplary service to Yosemite National Park. 

In 2020, volunteers faced innumerable challenges. These resilient, service-minded individuals worked right alongside National Park Service coworkers despite these challenges, striving to keep park visitors safe, track wildlife, promote pollinator species, and so much more. 

“The many dedicated volunteers who share their time, passion, and expertise in Yosemite National Park each year help us provide an exemplary visitor experience to all who come to Yosemite National Park,” stated Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “It is my honor and privilege to recognize the outstanding contributions of our 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients.”  

Yosemite National Park’s 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients are:  

Sid Shakya, Preventive Search and Rescue, Individual Volunteer of the Year  

Sarah Sugarman, Wildlife, Individual Youth Volunteer of the Year  

Mike and Barbara Lang, Individual Enduring Volunteers of the Year  

Pace Harmon, Volunteer Group of the Year  

Yosemite Climber Stewards, Volunteer Program of the Year  

Jasmin Gonzalez, NatureBridge Stewardship Instructor of the Year  

Kaya Lindsay, Facelift Volunteer of the Year  

These award-winning volunteers joined over 5,000 other unique individuals in providing service to Yosemite National Park in 2020, who all together donated nearly 70,000 volunteer hours. The staff at Yosemite National Park are proud to recognize and congratulate these award winners. We are also pleased to express our gratitude to all of the dedicated volunteers who have been so generous with their time and energy to help serve our park visitors.   
Source: NPS