Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism pay tribute to RTT volunteers

Riding To The Top (RTT) in Windham is proud to announce that three youth volunteers and seven adult volunteers were recently honored at the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism for the hours they contributed to RTT in 2024.

From left, Riding To The Top youth volunteer Orley Garett
joins RTT Executive Director Sarah Bronson and
volunteer Jennifer Robinson during the Governor's
Awards for Service and Volunteerism ceremony.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The awards ceremony was launched in 1987 as a way to recognize the dedication and impact volunteers have on the state of Maine.

RTT’s youth volunteers honored at this year’s ceremony, Orley Garett, Hannah Mitschele, and Archer Akers, each contributed more than 50 hours to the farm in 2024. Adult RTT volunteers Trina Bellavance, Janis Childs, Stacie Hamilton-Waldron, Ginna Jones, Susan Layton, Jennifer Robinson, and Clayton Peters were honored for volunteering over 500 hours each over the course of the year.

“Simply put, RTT wouldn’t exist without the countless hours that volunteers contribute each year. It’s wonderful to have youth volunteering here at the farm and being mentored by so many caring adults who give so generously of their time. Volunteering at Riding To The Top, not only benefits our clients and the organization, but our volunteers benefit as well, saying time and time again, how much they get out of their volunteer time here,” said Sarah Bronson, RTT Executive Director. “I’ve always loved the quote: ‘You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.’ We were grateful to have these volunteers from RTT recognized by the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism, and it was impressive to see all of the volunteers from all over Maine honored at this year’s ceremony.”

Volunteers are the heart of RTT. They contribute over 11,000 hours each year to improve the lives of our clients and horses. While volunteers serve in many capacities, the majority assist in lessons. They can also help with barn chores, facility and trail maintenance, administrative tasks, events and special projects.

The RTT organization was founded in 1993 and its mission is enhancing health and wellness in the community through offering equine assisted services.

Riding To The Top welcomes new volunteers throughout the year.

To learn more about becoming an RTT volunteer, visit https://www.ridingtothetop.org/volunteer. <