First Lady’s Volunteer Award Ceremony Honors Seven Alaskans, including two from Mat-Su

On May 6, 2024, First Lady Rose Dunleavy congratulated seven Alaskans at the First Lady’s Volunteer Award ceremonial luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Juneau, Alaska.

First Lady Dunleavy and her selection committee are honored to continue the tradition of recognizing the outstanding contributions of these dedicated individuals. First Lady Bella Hammond founded the First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year awards in 1974. Each year, the awards celebrate and encourage the spirit of volunteerism in Alaska.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said First Lady Rose Dunleavy. “These individuals are selfless, caring, and make positive impacts in the lives of other Alaskans and our communities. I am honored to have the opportunity to shine a light on their amazing efforts and share uplifting stories through The First Lady’s Volunteer Award.”

Among the seven honorees were two women from the Mat-Su Borough: Lynda Chud of Wasilla and Christine Greco of Palmer.

Chud has been a volunteer at the local homeless youth Center, MyHouse located in Wasilla, for over 10 years. Serving as the MyHouse Empowerment Coach, she facilitates the Women’s Empowerment Group. Additionally, she volunteers several times each week to meet individually with clients or to take a group out for a special field trip, including taking the residents of MyHouse out to dinner, to a local play, art shows or music events.

Chud is a retired schoolteacher and has experience working with youth who have been trafficked and who have experienced extreme trauma. She has voluntarily gone to trainings and participated in classes that will give her the knowledge needed to give youth the encouragement they need to hang on, have hope and heal.

“Lynda has impacted the lives of so many youth in such a positive way. She shows them love and courage. Lynda is recognized for the incredible asset she is to MyHouse, to the community and to our beautiful State.”

Members of the hockey community in Alaska wouldn’t be the same without the dedication and volunteerism of Christine Greco, who not only volunteers to manage several youth hockey teams, but also coordinates volunteer opportunities for the youth players to give back to their community, demonstrating the need for volunteers and how rewarding it can be. The young athletes have helped at local school events such as carnivals, reading to students, and packing up classrooms when labor is needed. The athletes have officiated and coached younger hockey players in tournaments, helped community members move, shovel or plow snow, rake and complete yardwork.

She also coordinates the annual Rocking Hockey event in Palmer where local hockey players volunteer with special needs students on the ice in games of beach hockey.

“Christine goes above and beyond providing opportunities for the athlete to be involved in their community and give back to those that have supported them. She is a role model by the selfless way she leads and is the definition of an outstanding Alaskan.”

Other honorees included Andrea McCormick from Anchorage; Margaret Varlamos, also from Anchorage; Emily Machos of Fairbanks; Katherine Mead from Cordova; and Bristy Larsen of Dillingham.