Volunteer Appreciation Award Nominations are closed
The West Zone Board acknowledges and celebrates the volunteer contributions of individuals within the zone through an annual award ceremony.
volunteer recognition
2025 Tribute Award Recognition, Gwen Barschel
Gwen has been a cornerstone of the Prairie View Community Association for decades, having joined the board around 1995. By her own account, it’s been so long that she can hardly remember a time when she wasn’t involved—and that kind of longevity speaks for itself.
Over the years, Gwen has taken on a wide range of roles, including Vice Chair, Membership Coordinator, and Programs Coordinator. She also led programming initiatives and contributed to activities like pickleball, always stepping in where needed. In addition, she dedicated several years to running the Scholarship Program, helping support and recognize members of the community.
What stands out most about Gwen isn’t just the number of roles she’s held, but how she’s carried them out. She has been a steady source of knowledge and guidance for new board members, consistently offering context, clarity, and a willingness to help others succeed in their roles. Her understanding of how things have been done – and why – has been invaluable in maintaining continuity while supporting growth.
Gwen has always been someone who shows up. Whether it’s volunteering at events, supporting fellow board members, or quietly making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes, her contributions have been both constant and meaningful. Gwen's impact is lasting, and this recognition is well deserved.