Volunteer Amy Bartoo named Brightest Star

Extraordinary volunteers from throughout Idaho shined brightly once again as Gov. C.L. “Butch”  Otter and First Lady Lori Otter hosted the 9th annual Governor's Brightest Star awards ceremony Wednesday at Boise State University with 500 in attendance.  The awards ceremony honored Idaho volunteers who selflessly provide voluntary public service throughout Idaho and beyond its borders.

One Hundred and three individuals and groups were recognized for their extraordinary volunteer efforts in six categories, including Corporation, Small Business, Organization, School, Student and Individual. The Governor and First Lady also announced the First Lady’s Choice and The Governor’s Choice Awards. The Governor's Brightest Stars are nominated by fellow Idahoans in recognition of their outstanding volunteer efforts. 

Governor Otter said, “The value of what volunteers contribute in communities throughout Idaho shadows the state’s budget and on a personal level, the value is immeasurable. He continued to say, “First Lady Lori and I are privileged to be part of this program, and are proud of all the Brightest Stars who selflessly give to others and expect nothing in return.” 

The recipients of the 2010 Governor’s Brightest Star Volunteer of the Year award include:

Corporation:   Western States Equipment Company, Meridian

Organization:  Meridian Kiwanis, Meridian   

School:  Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston  

Small Business: Studio D, Nampa

Student:  John Langfield, Boise

Individual: Amy Bartoo, Coeur d’Alene

Other Brightest Stars featured during the ceremony included:

Corporations: Empire Airlines, Inc., Hayden and Intermountain Community Bancorp/Panhandle State Bank - Sandpoint

Small Businesses: Ultra Clean - Meridian and North Idaho Title - Coeur d’Alene

Organizations:  Tax-Aide Idaho – Buhl and Boise WaterShed Exhibits, Inc.- Boise

Schools: Highlands Elementary School - Boise and ANSR Charter School - Garden City.

Students:   Ashton Lupton - Hailey and David Massengale - Nampa

Individuals:  Charles Norman Beckert – Boise and Richard and Judy Snider - Twin Falls 

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor.  The Commission administers Idaho’s AmeriCorps grants program, hosts an annual conference on service and volunteerism, provides technical assistance in volunteer management, and celebrates the accomplishments of Idaho volunteers through the annual Governor's Brightest Star Awards program.