The Johann Cozart Outstanding Volunteer Award is a very special award near and dear to the staff of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Each year, an award recipient is chosen based on qualities demonstrated by volunteer Johann Cozart during her time at the center. These qualities include connection, flexibility, positivity, friendliness, generosity and trustworthiness. Former recipients of this award include Jill Holl, Denny Forrest and Johann Cozart herself. The 2015 Johann Cozart Outstanding Volunteer Award was awarded to Shelby Conrad. Shelby consistently went above and beyond in each of these areas in her first 10 months as a volunteer at the center from March – December of 2015 in which she volunteered 397.5 hours. She continues to display these qualities as a volunteer at the center today. Shelby comes to volunteer with a friendly greeting for all, from the front desk greeters all the way down the staff hallways, stopping at each door with a smile and an enthusiastic “good morning!” She has taken the lead on many initiatives with animal care as well as mentored many new volunteers in this area. She is very passionate about the center’s animals and has provided them with excellent, loving care. Shelby is an avid lover of the outdoors with many childhood memories influencing her in her adult life and inspiring her to share her love of all things nature with our visitors. She cheerfully interacts with our students in education programming and always engages visitors, especially children, in getting a close up view of our center animals. Shelby volunteered with our pilot Audubon at Home program in 2015. She received excellent feedback from homeowners after conducting home visits for the program. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about educating others regarding native prairie plants and their preservation. Through and through, Shelby believes in the mission of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center which drives her to step up when called upon. We are truly thankful to have her among our group of valued volunteers at the center. Congratulation Shelby!