The 2006 Inaugural STAR Award recipients:

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Toledo
Congresswoman Kaptur, who began her volunteer efforts at age 13, represents Northern Ohio's Ninth Congressional District, and is currently serving her 12th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Kaptur, who was recognized for her work with numerous organizations during her tenure in Congress, has long been a supporter and friend of AmeriCorps at both the national and local level. Locally, she and/or her staff have sworn in the AmeriCorps Serving Northwest Ohio members each of the last 10 years.

Representative Kaptur also participates regularly in service events such as Make A Difference Day Ohio, National Youth Service Day, and the MLK Day Celebration.

Evette Jackson Clark, Cleveland

Ms. Clark is the Founder and Executive Director of The Phenomenal Foundation, Inc., a non-profit community outreach organization dedicated to Making a Difference. Recognizing the importance of giving back to community through service, the Phenomenal Foundation annually honors individuals throughout the state who are giving back to their communities. 

Since 1999, over 100 statewide community leaders, volunteers, and grassroots organizers who give extraordinary efforts of time and service back to their surrounding communities have received this award.

Hope Taft, First Lady of Ohio
Hope Taft, First Lady of Ohio, was recognized for her leadership in encouraging and recognizing volunteer service throughout Ohio.

Since 2000, Mrs. Taft has partnered with the Ohio Community Service Council to promote Make A Difference Day Ohio, the largest day of volunteering, at a statewide level. Since this time, Ohio has become a national leader in its participation, each year. MDDO has ignited service, united entire communities and become part of the fabric of many organizations and communities throughout Ohio.

The First Lady’s leadership has furthered service and volunteerism in the Buckeye State and throughout the country.

Nationally, Mrs. Taft serves on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation The mission of the Council is to encourage the recognition of outstanding volunteer service and civic participation by individuals, schools, and organizations and thereby encourage more such activity, especially on the part of America's youth; and facilitate awareness of the ways in which Americans throughout our history have helped to meet the vital needs of their communities and Nation through volunteer service and civic participation.