Vermont — Mary Carol

Mary Carol has been a longtime volunteer with AARP Vermont and has served various nonprofit organizations throughout the community over the years. Seven years ago she became a founding member of the AARP Vermont Champlain Valley Advocacy Team and has been a leader in the team’s activities. Her other community service includes volunteering at Shelburne Farms and, for more than 10 years, the Elder Education Enrichment program. She is a model community volunteer in every respect. She continues to be an inspiration to all those around her.

Virginia — Lorraine Bratton

Lorraine Bratton is an inspiration to others through her hard work. She is a member of the State Advocacy Team, meeting with members of the general assembly and her legislators concerning senior issues. Whenever she hears of how AARP can assist in a program, event or situation, she contacts the Richmond office to give her input.

Washington — Marge Throne

Marge Thorne has been an active volunteer for over 50 years in her community. She has been a founder, board member, officer and dependable volunteer with a variety of causes and organizations. She is a model of community participation and enrichment, and makes volunteering look easy and fun. She has been at the forefront of social change and has continued to help provide a better community through her amazing advocacy and service. She has been and continues to be a model for community participation.

West Virginia — Ruth Wagner

Ruth Wagner has been an active volunteer for AARP for 15 years. She has a lot of firsts: She served as the first female council member in St. Mary’s, was her town’s first female mayor, was Pleasant County’s first female development director, and was the first woman to serve as AARP state president in West Virginia. From 2006 to 2011, she served nearly 300,000 AARP members as state president, set the example as the chief volunteer, headed the Executive Council and was the group’s primary spokeswoman.

Wisconsin — Waldo Bertrand Asp

For the last four years, AARP Hayward Area Chapter 914 President Waldo Bertrand Asp has increased membership and led his chapter to new levels of membership and engagement. In addition to serving as chapter president, for 12 years he has been Northwest Wisconsin’s Coordinator for AARP Driver Safety and a Driver Safety instructor. He also provides leadership on the county board with the state-wide Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, with his faith community and many others.

Wyoming — James L. Applegate

Jim Applegate has distinguished himself in every organization in which he has served. No matter how large or small the task, he is always willing to roll up his sleeves to support a need or good cause. In addition to his numerous civic and volunteer activities, he serves as a role model for what professionals and citizens should strive to be. He wears that passion on his sleeve. No one has ever worked harder and been a better community leader than Jim Applegate.