Cape Lookout National Seashore has announced that three VIPs (Volunteers-in-Parks) have been selected for their outstanding service to their respective divisions.

After careful deliberation among park supervisory staff, it was decided that the service provided by each of these volunteers was so crucial to operations that they should all be recognized for having gone above and beyond. Through the combined efforts of these three volunteers, park operations were greatly improved. This has made for a smoother and more enjoyable experience for park visitors and staff alike.

For outstanding service to the Resource Management division, Crystal Wasley has been awarded as their Volunteer of the Year. Crystal was commended for taking initiative in her work with the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. She volunteered hundreds of hours over multiple projects – often times providing her own transportation to and from the island in order to accomplish the task. Crystal’s ability to work unsupervised made her a crucial asset to the division and the park as a whole.

As a member of the Division of Interpretation and Education, Paul Kitchen went above and beyond what was expected of him. Paul coordinated building plans and executed those plans to organize a crucial storage area for the team. As a result, shelving units were built, and equipment was divided into categories and labeled. This change has greatly improved divisional readiness by allowing the team to find and distribute the appropriate materials to visitors without delay.

For the Maintenance team, Doug Miller was crucial to success. Volunteering at the Great Island Cabin Camps over three separate stays, Doug went above and beyond his expected duties. He regularly assisted staff with deferred maintenance projects and daily operations. Additionally, Doug interacted with visitors and provided assistance wherever needed. Throughout his three stays, he served as the “eyes and ears” of park staff, alerting appropriate team members whenever something was amiss.

While all volunteers are recognized and commended for their contributions, these three have truly gone beyond what was expected of them. As a reward for this exceptional volunteer service, Cape Lookout National Seashore is awarding each of the Volunteers of the Year a backpack embroidered with the National Park Service logo.

For more information on Cape Lookout National Seashore, including planning a visit, special events and activities, go to www.nps.gov/calo.