2025 Spirit Award Winners

2025 Nonprofit of the Year Award
CASA of Collin County

This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that is being recognized specifically for its outstanding volunteer program. This honor acknowledges an organization that recruits, trains, empowers and celebrates its volunteers; emphasizing volunteerism as a foundational value.

This Nonprofit has successfully cultivated a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers, fostering a strong culture of service and collaboration. Their commitment to volunteer engagement not only enhances the organization but also enriches the entire community.

2025 Business Service Award
Credit Union of Texas

Presented to a for-profit business for their demonstrated contributions of time, talents, and/or finances within the community.

This business actively empowers its employees to serve our community by including volunteerism as a core value of their business.

Additionally, the business supports nonprofits through employee engagement programs and/or sponsorship of worthy community events.

Since the business itself is the recipient, whether or not staff is compensated during service hours is not considered.

2025 Education Champion Award
C.L.I.M.B. – Connect. Learn. Imagine. Make. Become

Presented to a volunteer or organization that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for students. This recognition is reserved for individual volunteers, groups like PTO/PTAs or similar service organizations that work tirelessly to strengthen school systems, provide vital support for educators, and create opportunities that inspire and empower learners of all ages.

Nominees exemplify a deep commitment to education through initiatives such as advocating for school improvements, offering extracurricular programs, and fostering partnerships that enhance academic success. Their efforts ensure students and educators have access to the resources, support, and enrichment needed to thrive academically, socially, and personally. 

2025 Pete & Nancy Huff Community Service Legacy Award
Bob Tomes

Pete and Nancy Huff Founded Volunteer McKinney in 1998, so this award is presented to someone that reflects the Huff’s character and contribution. Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the community through passion and dedication to volunteerism, board service, and/or leadership of groups or nonprofit organizations.

This person has been championing and meeting the needs of worthy charitable causes in the Collin County area for over 10 years.

2025 Volunteer Group of the Year Award
Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), McKinney Chapter

Presented to a distinct group of volunteers who have joined together in volunteer service to others by contributing time and/or talents to a Collin County area nonprofit organization and/or cause and demonstrating a passion for meeting the worthy needs of our community.

This can be an organization or an informal, grassroots group.

2025 Volunteer of the Year Award
Heather Scruggs

Presented to an individual who exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism through giving time and/or talents to support individuals in need, nonprofits, and/or community projects in the Collin County area.

This individual demonstrates a passion for service by their contributions to one or more of the many worthy needs of the community.

This person goes the extra mile in their work by providing exceptional leadership and dedication to address community challenges.

2025 Youth Servant Leader(s) of the Year Award
Ananya Nagendra

Presented to an individual under the age of 21 years who demonstrates exemplary service through volunteering efforts and/or philanthropic endeavors to support in the Collin County area.

This nominee mobilizes others to achieve measurable impact on critical issues within our community and demonstrates leadership, commitment to service, and the ability to inspire others of all ages to serve.