New River Gorge NPP VIP Jacki Wright wins regionwide award

News Release Date:
September 16, 2024

Contact: Eve West, 304-719-6364

Glen Jean, WV - It takes a special person to give time for the greater good of others, especially when the giving is to those who are not friends or family. Jacki Wright is that person, calling herself a 'professional volunteer.' It's a title that suits her well.
Jackie has been volunteering for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NRGNPP) since March of 2022 and performs a variety of duties in her role as volunteer. She works at the park's visitor centers, providing information to visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the park, assists with park special events like Hidden History Weekend and Spring Nature Fling, leads hikes in the park as a Community Captain with Active Southern West Virginia, and last but most liked she will tell you, she tends to the park's native wildflower gardens outside the visitor centers. She pulls weeds, she thins plants, she nurtures native species that need extra TLC, and she talks to the public with great enthusiasm about what is one of her great passions-gardening.
Jacki's contribution to the National Park Service was recently recognized throughout Region 1 as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Region 1 includes 84 national park sites spread throughout 13 states in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States from Maine down to West Virginia and Virginia, so the competition was fierce. Jacki, however, sets the bar.
Regional Director Gay Vietzke in a congratulations letter stated "Your volunteer service exemplifies the dedication and enthusiasm advocated by the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program. Your exceptional hard work, enthusiasm, and attention to detail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has benefitted park staff, volunteers, and visitors alike."
NRGNPP Deputy Superintendent Eric LaPrice stated, "Jackie contributes more than just time to the park. She contributes energy, enthusiasm, and an obvious concern for protecting the environment. Her dedication is a source of inspiration to park staff, and she is a much beloved member of our park family here at New River."
Jacki was also recognized for her contributions beyond the park, including the many hours she contributes to the Veteran's Administration, Active Southern West Virginia, and the animal rescue organization Operation Underdog.
Jacki was surprised with the award at an all employees picnic the park had earlier this year. Upon receiving it she stated, "I am honored to be recognized. I love what I do for the park. I have three passions, the national parks, the veterans, and dogs. To be able to work for the national park is fulfilling one of those passions."
The staff at NRGNPP salute Jacki Wright and thank her for all her efforts supporting the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and provide for the enjoyment of the park for future generations. More information about the volunteer program at NRGNPP, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River can be found at nps.gov/neri/getinvolved/volunteer and by contacting the park's volunteer coordinator at phone, 304-465-2634 or email, e-mail us.

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