On June 4, we gathered at MurLarkey Distilled Spirits for a special evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible volunteers who help make the Hylton Center a place for excellence. Members of the Executive Board, ushers, and department supporters, including those supporting our Development, Marketing, Education, and Veterans and the Arts Initiatives, joined Hylton Center staff to reflect on the 2025–26 season and recognize the meaningful role volunteers play in our community.
The evening was filled with engaging conversation, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of appreciation for the time, talent, and dedication our volunteers share throughout the season. Collectively, Hylton Center volunteers contribute nearly 3,300 hours annually, helping support performances, programs, outreach efforts, and the many initiatives that bring the Hylton Center’s mission to life.
As part of the celebration, we recognized volunteers whose contributions have made a lasting impact. Awards were presented to members of the Education Committee whose volunteer service has come to an end. We extend our deepest gratitude to Annamarie Bollino, Cheryl Brunner, Dawn Davis, Pam Kalso, Valerie Kenyon-Gaddney, Claire Machosky-Ullman, Denise McPhail, Michelle Milligan, Meghan Stubbs, Marcus Thomas, Andrew Watson, Sarah Weaver, and committee chair Kris Nohe for their dedication and service to the Hylton Center.
The Outstanding Support Awards were presented to Ashlie and Brandon Smith in recognition of their exceptional support of the Development and Marketing teams. Their dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to lend a helping hand have made a tremendous difference.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Most Valuable Volunteer Award, which honored Janet Hanley for her extraordinary commitment during the 2025–26 season. As the top volunteer usher with 97.75 hours completed, Janet exemplifies the generosity and enthusiasm that defines our volunteer community.
More than just welcoming faces, all volunteers are essential members of the Hylton Center community. Their commitment helps create memorable experiences for patrons, strengthens programs, and ensures that every guest feels welcomed and supported.
“The dedication of our volunteers extends far beyond the hours they contribute—it strengthens our mission, enriches our programs, and helps make the Hylton Center a welcoming place for all,” said Membership and Constituent Engagement Coordinator, Angel DeGroot. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate the incredible impact they make every day.”