The George and Helen Hatzog Award of the Midwest Region of the National Park Service has been awarded locally to an individual volunteer and a volunteer group, according to an announcement by the staff of the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond.

Ashley Burns won the 2014 Hartzog Award for the Outstanding Volunteer Service in the Youth Individual category, Midwest Region. During the past year she conducted programs during special events, worked with Summer Junior Rangers, and worked on trail maintenance. Her work ensured visitors had a more enjoyable experience at the park.

Students from Gateway School in Joplin won the 2014 Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, in the Youth Group category, Midwest Region. These teens provided 165 hours of service during the past year. Their work focused on landscaping around the visitor center, beautifying the visitor experience entrance area, and providing a positive first impression of the park.

Joplin's Gateway School offers a public alternative vocational/technical program for about two dozen students in grades 5-12. Alternative schools include schools for potential dropouts, residential treatment centers for substance abuse, schools for chronic truants, and schools for students with behavioral problems. It is located at 1823 W. 20th St.

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