Oklahoma — Linda Johnson Huggins

As an active AARP chapter member, Linda Johnson Huggins is a true pillar of her community. She coordinates volunteer activities at the local food bank to address food insecurities among seniors and children. She makes a significant impact in the lives of youth through mentor programs, after-school tutoring and higher education achievement programs. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of life and helping people fulfill their goals and dreams is truly inspiring.

Oregon — Noah Cash

Noah Cash is the epitome of an AARP volunteer. Since 2001, he has been an active AARP Foundation Tax-Aide counselor and since 2005 has been taking on more responsibility as area instructor and district coordinator in Klamath Falls. He created a website and strategy to reach low-income adults who need assistance preparing their taxes. He added more sites and volunteers who prepare over 1,100 federal tax returns each season. It is due to his work ethic, dedication and inspiration that many of his tax-aide volunteers come back year after year.

Pennsylvania — Patricia Quigg

Patricia Quigg is founder of Reading Buddies, an innovative intergenerational tutoring and mentoring program that links elderly residents of housing facilities and nursing homes with Philadelphia inner-city school children. During the 2011-2012 school year, Reading Buddies conducted 20 programs with more than 250 students and about 225 volunteers. In addition to her work with Reading Buddies, she has been an active community leader with many organizations, including the American Red Cross, Wheels for Welfare, and the Health and Welfare Council.

Puerto Rico — María Esther Rivera Oquendo

“Wherever there’s a need María Esther will be, regardless of whom she is helping.” This is how friends describe her commitment to community service, which shines through her dedication as vice president of the AARP Las Piedras Chapter. She also developed the Photo Novel Project with the Puerto Rico Health Department, which served as inspiration to raise the educational level in communities. To develop younger leaders, she is dedicated to coordinating educational events, including art and public speaking contests.

Rhode Island — Catherine Graziano

Catherine Graziano has been a member and volunteer for the Rhode Island Nurses Association for over 50 years. She is a member of the Retired Legislators Association and a member of the AARP State Legislative Committee. She has served and represented AARP on the Department of Elderly Affairs Advisory Council, AARP Executive Council, National AARP Department of Elderly Affairs Advisory Council, AARP Executive Council, National AARP Policy Committee, Quality Partners/Electronic Records Program, R.I. Commission on Women Steering Committee for Money Follows the Person, and End of Life Task Force.

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