Congratulations to America's 2008 Silver Medal Ranger of the Year Finalists
Beth Hawse of Douthat State Park, Virginia
Beth Hawse, Chief Ranger of Interpretation and Environmental Education of Douthat State Park, Virginia, graduated from Mary Baldwin College at Staunton, Virginia in 1998 with a biology degree and began work with Douthat State Park as the park’s seasonal interpreter. In her first year she expanded children’s programs and initiated environmental education outreach to local schools that comply with the Virginia Standards of Learning and in 2007 she worked diligently to continue growing interpretation and environmental education programs. Beth is a facilitator for all of the “Project” workshops (Wet, Wild, Learning Tree, Underground) and chairs the Division’s Seasonal Interpretive Workshop Committee.
Customer Testimonial
Beth Hawse is an excellent interpretor and educator, with a wide range of knowledge and skills. She has provided quality envrionmental education and park experiences to numerous visitors over the years, and has shown herself to be a dedicated ranger, with the best interest of open space, particularly Douthat State Park, at the heart of her efforts. Submitted by: Holly Carson
Shawn Cameron of Granville State Forest, Massachusetts Shawn Cameron of Granville State Forest, Massachusetts is an exemplary Massachusetts State Park employee. He has worked in southern Berkshire area State Parks since 1981. He came to Mass State Parks with an Environmental Sciences degree from Berkshire Community College. In March of 1996, Shawn became the year-round supervisor of Granville State Forest, a popular camping facility near the scenic Hubbard River on the Connecticut border. Shawn's pride for the operation and maintenance of his recreation area shows everywhere - the well maintained trails, the immaculate campsites and bathroom facilities, the flower gardens and hanging baskets, and the smiling faces of his patrons. Shawn continues to treat visitors with the utmost respect, and goes above and beyond what is expected to deliver the best services available in the state park system.
Customer Testimonial
Shawn not only maintained the park in top-notch condition and clearly transmitted his values of customer service and good ecological practices to his staff as well, he always had time to talk with campers and is a font of information - about the history of Granville State Forest and about the wilderness in general. Shawn is unfailingly friendly and helpful as well as good at the more practical aspects of his job. No doubt his leadership and professionalism - together with his knowledge and love of the wilderness - are part of what makes Granville State Forest such a lovely park. Our visit there was one of the highlights of our trip to the U.S.A. this summer! Submitted by: Trish O'Reilly
Johnathon Freeborn of Ridgway State Park, Colorado
Johnathon Freeborn, Park Ranger of Ridgway State Park, Colorado is a Colorado native and is passionate about the outdoors. Freeborn was noted early on by other Colorado State Park rangers for his hard work, dedication, good decision making and integrity. Freeborn was selected to become a Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT) instructor shortly before he came to Ridgway State Park, and since his arrival he has also become a firearms instructor. “He will do whatever it takes to provide safe and enjoyable recreation for our visitors and protection of the resources we are responsible for,” said Kirstin Copeland, Ridgway Park Manager. When faced with adversity, Copeland said that Freeborn has worked for days straight, and will never compromise his high standards of “doing a job right.”
Customer Testimonial
I have known John since he worked up at Sylvan Lake State Park as Asst. Park Ranger. John Freeborn always followed the very necessary laws and rules of the park to a tee...but the exception to John is that he treats all people, including the people violating the rules with respect and compassion. And as a result, peace prevails with all. He is a true Peace Officer. His everyday routine includes this way of treating people in all walks of life and in all situations and even though he does not think this is extraordinary...I do and think he should be recognized and commended for his exemplary behavior for ALL officers of the law. Submitted by: Julia Parker
Kelly Elliott of Lake Perris State Recreation Area, California
Kelly Elliott, State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Supervisor works at Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Southern California. For six years she worked as a Ranger at California Citrus State Historic Park, Chino Hills State Park and Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. Kelly began her career with California State Parks as a seasonal park aid at Folsom Lake SRA where she worked while attending California State University, Sacramento. She graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration. Kelly was awarded the Governor Employee Safety Award for her service in the Old Fire of 2003 and has had the honor of working with many great employees in the Inland Empire District. Kelly prides herself in being a true Generalist Ranger, and looks forward to continuing her career as a steward of parks for the seventh generation..
Customer Testimonial
Kelly is Ranger of the Year because of her dedication to her staff as well as the public. Safety is her first priority and she ensures her park patrons are in the best hands. Her friendly personality and helpful nature make it a delight to visit the park. She is always positive, too! I think she should definitely be Ranger of the Year. Submitted by: Barrilyn Kaa
Floyd H. Seals Jr. of Carr Creek State Park, Kentucky
Floyd H. Seals Jr., Park Ranger of Carr Creek State Park, Kentucky has been working as a Kentucky State Park Ranger since July 16, 1998. Floyd’s duties include patrolling the park area, enforcing state laws, checking in campers. Public relations play a big role in his many duties as he is always at the forefront with campers and visitors. Floyd H. Seals Jr. has had the pleasure of meeting a lot of nice people from all walks of life and cultures and made some real good friends. Prior to becoming a Kentucky State Park Ranger, Floyd was a volunteer Fireman for 20+ years.
Customer Testimonial
Floyd is one of the best persons that I have ever been around. We camp at Carr's Fork at least 3 times a year, and I have never seen him in a bad mood. He is helpful with the children and he comes around checking on the sights and talks and makes you feel good about being in a campground. I don't know his last name but I know that he really deserves to be awarded. His personality and his willness to help you makes him outstanding. Submitted by: Doris Combs
