Gov. Lynch partnered with VolunteerNH! to create the New Hampshire Volunteer of the Month awards. The honorees are selected on a rotating basis by Executive Council district by VolunteerNH!.

"New Hampshire's tradition of citizen involvement is one of our state's most cherished attributes. As Governor, I want to give those efforts more recognition - to encourage more people to get involved and to help preserve that tradition of civic engagement that makes New Hampshire so special," Gov. Lynch said.

Sweeney was chosen for the award for her active involvement with the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery and her long history of volunteer service at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium and the New Hampshire State Library. Sweeney has volunteered at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery every Monday morning for nearly three years. Both the VFW of New Hampshire and the American Legion have praised her for her service to veterans.

Nominations for the monthly awards are currently being accepted and will continue to be accepted throughout the year. Nominees will be considered for the New Hampshire Volunteer of the Month Award and for a category award at the annual Spirit of New Hampshire Awards. Details and nomination materials are available on the Volunteer NH! website at http://www.volunteernh.org or by calling 1-800-780-8058.

A copy of the proclamation and a photo of the presentation are attached.

Photo: Gov. John Lynch presents Agnes Sweeney with the commendation naming her March's New Hampshire Volunteer of the Month.

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State of New Hampshire
By His Excellency
John Lynch, Governor

A Commendation

AGNES SWEENEY
MARCH VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

WHEREAS, Agnes Sweeney has demonstrated a great commitment to the State of New Hampshire and its citizens through her active involvement with the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Agnes Sweeney has helped institute greater levels of efficiency at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery to ensure that our veterans receive the honor and respect they deserve; and

WHEREAS, Agnes Sweeney has shown a long dedication to volunteerism through her work with the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium and the New Hampshire State Library; and

WHEREAS, Agnes Sweeney is a role model for all New Hampshire citizens for her exemplary service to her community and our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN H. LYNCH, GOVERNOR of the State of New Hampshire, and the Executive Council, in cooperation with Volunteer NH!, do hereby name Agnes Sweeney as the March Volunteer of the Month for her many contributions to her community and the citizens of our state.

Given this 22nd day of March in the year of Our Lord two thousand and six, and the independence of the United States of America, two hundred and thirty.

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