Carl Schrader of Juneau was honored Thursday as one of seven recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award given each year by the first lady of Alaska.
Schader was honored for his work at a ceremonial luncheon in Anchorage, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office said in a news release, along with five other honorees. First Lady of Alaska Rose Dunleavy chose Schrader for his work with Catholic Community Service in Juneau, according to the governor’s office.
“Carl embodies the true Alaskan spirit and shares it through his camaraderie and passion,” the release said. “Carl is a compassionate ear for those in physical and spiritual pain, a warm presence for grieving families, and always on standby to set up a hospital bed in a living room. Carl has maintained consistent availability day-after-day, year-after-year; he is calm and patient in work that is unpredictable and emotionally taxing.”
According to the governor’s office, First Lady Bella Hammond founded the First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year awards in 1975 and each year the awards celebrate and encourage the spirit of volunteerism in Alaska.
“Being an Alaskan means going above and beyond to help our neighbors and communities,” First Lady Dunleavy said. “This year’s honorees are remarkable pillars of the community. They dedicate their time, energy and talent to improve Alaskan’s lives. We live in a better Alaska because of these selfless honorees. My selection committee and I am proud to recognize this year’s volunteers.”
Other honorees of this years award were Nona Safra of Homer; Billie Kassel of Fairbanks; Anna DeVolld of Soldotna; John Green of Wasilla; Amie Haakenson of Anchorage and Rachel Sallaffie of Bethel.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.
