Last week, the Fulton Head Start Center presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Mariah Shinn.
Shinn is the mother of three children who attend Fulton Head Start. Since her girls began attending the program she has been involved in volunteering at the center as well as serving on the Policy Council.
"She has been consistently present, has offered valuable insight to help guide program enhancements and has been of great value given her attention to detail and knowledge of program operations," said Tammy Hawk, family and community partnership administrator for Central Missouri Community Action.
Shinn was presented with her award at a surprise event April 11 at the Fulton Head Start Center. Children at the center, including two of her daughters, created a banner with their handprints to congratulate Shinn.
Shinn's recognition as the 2019 volunteer of the year for CMCA came the same week she learned she will be filling an open position to teach at a Jefferson City Head Start. Teaching has been a dream for Shinn.
"It's been a great week," she said. "I never thought I'd ever get to teach but thanks to CMCA I am going to have that chance. I love reading to kids and now I will get to do it every day."