Ray Keen Recognized by Chamber as “Volunteer of the Year”

The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce recently nominated 8 persons/organizations to be this year’s recipient of the Ruth Middleton “Volunteer of the Year” award. The criteria used by the Chamber to assist with their nominations include representatives who have demonstrated characteristics akin to the late Ruth Middleton.

Ruth Middleton was a staple in the community of Alleghany County. After retiring as a file clerk with the Navy Department in Washington, D.C., she contributed many hours to the citizens in her hometown. Not only did Middleton volunteer at the YMCA Child Care, but she also donated many selfless hours to a number of organizations and was herself a recipient of the “Volunteer of the Year” award prior to it being named after her.

The Chamber lists several characteristics which they feel exemplify what it means to be “Volunteer of the Year.” These include, but are not limited to, “impact on the community, number of volunteer hours, years of service, significant achievement for the current year, and diversity of volunteer service.” 

This year, the following individuals/organizations were nominated for their outstanding service to the community: Ray Keen, Kristen Garten, Good News Church on Main Street in Covington, Nancy Moga, Boys Home of Virginia, Men of Mission, Vice Mayor David Crosier, and Marian Paxton. Ray Kenn was ultimately chosen as this year’s recipient.

According to the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the 2023 Ruth Middleton “Volunteer of the Year” award goes to, “A person that has volunteered hundreds of hours in the community. Projects have included activities with SPEED, the Douthat volunteer group with their car show, campsite cookoff, and kids fishing day; the Shriners and their Fall Festival; Dunlap Fire & Rescue and the Bike Rodeo.”

Keen received a plaque for his service as well as a $1,000 check to be donated to the charity of his choice. The “Volunteer of the Year” award was sponsored by Highlands Community Bank.

The Virginian Review wishes to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all the nominees this year and a big congratulations to winner, Ray Keen!