Local Free Clinic Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers with Inaugural Awards Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -  March 26, 2024

[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma] – In a heartfelt celebration of service and commitment, Manos Juntas Free Clinic, is thrilled to announce this year's distinguished recipients of its Volunteer Awards. These awards were presented at a special ceremony held on February 16th, 2024, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and leadership in their volunteer service at the clinic and our community.

Dr. Boyd Shook Distinguished Service Award

Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Dr. Boyd Shook Distinguished Service Award, a prestigious honor reserved for volunteers who have consistently exceeded expectations and left a lasting impact on the clinic, its patients, and the broader community. This year, the clinic is proud to recognize a group of remarkable individuals who serve as volunteer supervisors, each embodying the spirit of unwavering dedication and exceptional service:

• Anu BA, University of Oklahoma, B.A., Psychology ‘24

• Kaela Byers, Oklahoma State University, B.S., Biochemistry ‘25

• Phoenix Hollenbeck, Oklahoma State University, B.S., Biochemistry ‘25

• Cade Huston, University of Central Oklahoma, B.S. Biomedical Sciences ‘23

• Danielita Olguin, University of Oklahoma, B.A., Psychology ‘22

• Brenda Rodarte, University of Oklahoma, B.A., Psychology, ‘23

• Hannah Tran, University of Central Oklahoma, B.S., Biomedical Sciences ‘24

New Volunteer Achievement Award

This award recognizes new volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, reliability, and dedication to the clinic during their first semester of service. The award acknowledges the new volunteer's willingness to learn, their positive attitude, and their contributions to the clinic's mission.

• Dave Gandhi, University of Oklahoma, B.S., Biology, ‘23

• Adrian Hernandez, University of Oklahoma, B.S., Biology ‘24

Outstanding Volunteer Award 

This award recognizes volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, reliability, and commitment to the clinic. The award acknowledges the volunteer's contributions to the clinic's mission and recognizes their exceptional efforts to provide high-quality care to patients.

• Mulan Tang, University of Oklahoma, B.S., Biomedical Engineering ‘23

• Korbin Cardoza, Oklahoma City University, B.S., Cell & Molecular Biology/Spanish, ‘26

Volunteer Leadership Award

This award recognizes student volunteers who have taken on a leadership role within the clinic, such as a Lead Volunteer or Volunteer Supervisor. The award acknowledges the student's commitment to their role and their ability to effectively lead and mentor other volunteers.

• Vijay Bhupathiraju, University of Oklahoma, B.S., Biology ‘24

• Saylor Berglund, University of Oklahoma, B.S., Biology / Spanish ‘25

“These exceptional students have not just dedicated their time and skills but have also embodied the spirit of leadership and mentorship among our volunteers!”

— Jackson Higginbottom, MPH

A Commitment to Excellence

"These exceptional students have not just dedicated their time and skills but have also embodied the spirit of leadership and mentorship among our volunteers," stated Jackson Higginbottom, MPH, Director of Manos Juntas. "Their unwavering commitment and exemplary service are the foundation upon which our volunteer program thrives. We are immensely proud to inaugurate the Dr. Boyd Shook Distinguished Service Award and the other volunteer awards with such deserving recipients."

The inaugural awards ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by clinic providers, volunteers, community leaders, and supporters. It underscored the significant role that our volunteers play in the clinic's mission to provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare and emphasized the profound impact that individual contributions can make within the community.

For more information about Manos Juntas, its volunteer program, or to learn more about how you can support our work, please contact info@manosjuntas.org.

About Manos Juntas

Since its establishment in 1995, Manos Juntas has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing healthcare access to our community. Over the past 25+ years, though much has changed, our foundational belief endures: healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Our mission is to actively contribute to fostering a healthier and more informed Oklahoma.

Contact:
Jackson Higginbottom, MPH
President, Board of Directors
Fundación Manos Juntas