LEBANON, Tenn. — May 14, 2026 – The Wilson County Commission recently recognized the nominees and winners of the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award (GVSA), a statewide program that honors the efforts and impact of volunteers across Tennessee. The Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards is an annual event that recognizes one adult and one youth volunteer from each county for exemplary service and dedication to their community.
Wilson County has proudly participated in the program for more than 15 years, celebrating local residents who give their time, talents, and hearts to making a difference. County leaders emphasized that all nominees deserve recognition, as honoring volunteers not only celebrates service but also encourages others to become involved in volunteer efforts throughout the community.
This year’s honorees represent a wide range of volunteer service, with several connected to Wilson Rides, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving quality of life and fostering a connected community for older adults 55+ through volunteer-driven transportation and outreach programs.
2025 Wilson County Nominees
- Melinda Davis – Wilson Rides, Inc.
- Linda Patterson – Wilson Rides, Inc.
- Dave Domzal (posthumously) – Wilson Rides, Inc.
- Kay Hamilton (posthumously) – Wilson Rides, Inc.
- Jeff Rowlett – Wilson Rides, Inc.
- John and Carol Bennett – Wilson Rides, Inc.
- Sara Davidson – Charis Health Center
- Mark Daemon – Volunteer for various organizations through cooking
2025 Wilson County Award Recipients
Adult Volunteer of the Year
Gaye Lynn Wilson – Outside of her role as Executive Director of Wilson Rides, Inc., Gaye Lynn actively volunteers with organizations including SALT, the Joe Beretta Foundation, The Volunteer Network, the Mt. Juliet 55+ Activity Center, and Leadership Wilson. Whether filling food boxes, assisting residents during Walk Across Wilson, coordinating holiday outreach efforts, or bringing nonprofits and businesses together to support older adults, she is known for her tireless dedication to serving the community.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Isabella “Bella” Free – Bella volunteers with numerous organizations including Providence Students, Student Leadership Team, How to Life, Project Linus, and Operation Christmas Child. Her passion for agriculture and leadership is evident through her extensive involvement in FFA, where she serves as Chapter President and PLOW Committee Chair. Bella also serves as the Middle Tennessee FFA Regional Treasurer and has helped mentor younger students through showmanship clinics and agricultural education opportunities.
Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto shared his appreciation for the honorees and nominees.
“Wilson County is blessed with people who give their time, their talents, and their hearts to lift others up. These volunteers don’t serve for recognition — they serve because they care. We’re proud to honor each of them, and we’re grateful for the difference they make in our community every single day.”
Earlier this spring, Gaye Lynn Wilson and Isabella Free were also honored during the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award Honoree Celebration held in Franklin, Tennessee. Honorees from across the state participated in a special luncheon, walked across the stage to receive their awards, and were personally congratulated by Governor Bill Lee for their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to their communities.
For more information about the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards, please contact Sara Davenport at the Wilson County Mayor’s Office.
About Wilson Rides
Wilson Rides Inc is a 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 2020. Wilson Rides aims to enhance the quality of life and foster a connected community for adults 55+ in Wilson County, TN by providing safe, affordable transportation to local destinations. Wilson Rides was named “2022 Non Profit of Excellence” by the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson was named “2022 Wilsonian of the Year” by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, Wilson Rides Event “Sips & Sounds” was named a “2022 Finalist for Best Community or Non Profit Event” and Wilson Rides received the “Community Enhancement Award” January and April of 2025 in Mt. Juliet, TN. Follow us on all social media including YouTube and LinkedIn @wilsonridesinc and our Podcast – Storytime with Wilson Rides. To learn more about Wilson Rides, please visit www.wilsonridesinc.org
