2022 Dare County Parks and Recreation Volunteers of the Year

Northern Beach Division:
The Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Northern Beach Division has announced that Don Cummings has received the division’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year award.

Cummings has served as a volunteer for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department for approximately two years and for Older Adult Services for five years. His service includes volunteering for the department's gymnastics program and the new beginner pickleball program, as well as with the Dare County Special Olympics basketball program. He also volunteers his time with Meals on Wheels with Older Adult Services and Ruthie’s Kitchen every Tuesday night.

Cummings was nominated by several Dare County Parks and Recreation Department staff members who showed appreciation for his volunteer service to the organization.

“Don is an incredibly genuine and authentic person,” said Acra Styron, who serves as a leisure activities specialist for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Northern Beach Division. “If he’s volunteering his time, then you know it’s something that he truly cares about. He shows interest in the lives of those around him and seamlessly connects with everyone he interacts with. It’s a pleasure to know Don if you ever get the chance to.”

John Morris, who also serves as a leisure activities specialist for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Northern Beach Division said, “Don has been an amazing volunteer basketball coach for Dare County Special Olympics. He is always eager to lend a hand wherever he is needed and does so with 100 percent effort. We are very thankful for Don stepping up to help us this year.”

In addition to Styron and Morris, Cummings also received praise from Charlotte Midgett-Winstead, who serves as leisure services supervisor for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department's Northern Beach Division.

“Don goes above and beyond not just with helping at the Youth Center at Family Recreation Park with gymnastics, Special Olympics and pickleball but with Meals on Wheels and Ruthie’s Kitchen,” said Midgett-Winstead. “He volunteers without hesitation. He makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. His energetic personality is contagious. We appreciate Don and all of his efforts to help make our programs better.”

Hatteras Island Division:

The Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Hatteras Island Division has also announced its 2022 Youth Volunteer of the Year as well as its 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year. 

Youth Volunteer of the Year: 

Sherlyn Mendieta was named the 2022 Youth Volunteer of the Year for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Hatteras Island Division. Mendieta volunteered as a head coach for an ages 7-9 boy’s basketball team called The Bulls. She also volunteered hours helping with youth summer camps offered through the Fessenden Center in Buxton. Mendieta is currently a junior at Cape Hatteras Secondary School. She plays varsity soccer and is a varsity cheerleader and president of the Student Government Association (SGA). She also participates in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), as well as the school's marching band and the concert band.

Adult Volunteer of the Year: 

Rich Kenner was named the 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Hatteras Island Division. Kenner coaches multiple teams during the soccer and basketball seasons and has done so for several years. He also serves on the Fessenden Center Advisory Board.  

Kenner has dedicated himself to enriching local children’s experience in team sports. He teaches the game and skills while adapting to varying skill levels. He also instills the importance of sportsmanship within his players. His players respect and learn from his teaching, and parents often offer praise for how his coaching has helped their children. “We are thankful to have Rich on the Fessenden Center coaching roster and for the many hours he dedicates each season to his teams,” said Susan Gray, who serves as leisure activities supervisor for the Fessenden Center. 

Roanoke Island/Mainland Division:
The Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Roanoke Island/Mainland Division has announced its 2022 Youth Volunteer of the Year as well as its 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year.

Youth Volunteer of the Year:
Mackenzie Flynn was named the 2022 Youth Volunteer of the Year for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Roanoke Island/Mainland Division. Flynn volunteered as an assistant coach for the ages 7-9 girls soccer team, the Ladybugs, in the fall of 2022. She is currently a sophomore at Manteo High School and plays on the school’s varsity soccer team.

Adult Volunteer of the Year:

Joe Trentzsch was named the 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Roanoke Island/Mainland Division. 

“Joe has been a constant volunteer coach every sports season, including basketball, soccer and baseball,” said Spencer Gregory, who serves as the leisure activities supervisor for the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Roanoke Island/Mainland Division. “He is always willing to help coach any sport and has a broad knowledge of all sports. He has a great demeanor with his players and instills confidence in all his players. Dare County would like to thank all of the volunteers, without whom many of our programs would not be possible.”

For more information about the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department, please click the button below.

DareNC.gov/Parks