Hickman County’s Morris named Discovery Park Volunteer of the Year

January 19, 2021
Sue Ellen Morris, center was the recipient of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year award. Presenting her with a handmade serving board, made by volunteer John R. Hall, was Discovery Park’s president and CEO Scott Williams and director of education Polly Brasher. (Photo submitted) Sue Ellen Morris, center was the recipient of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year award. Presenting her with a handmade serving board, made by volunteer John R. Hall, was Discovery Park’s president and CEO Scott Williams and director of education Polly Brasher. (Photo submitted)

Discovery Park of America has named Sue Ellen Morris as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year.

Morris, an attorney from Hickman County, Ky., began volunteering in early 2020 at Discovery Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that depends on volunteers to implement its mission in a variety of ways.

One of Morris’ favorite parts of volunteering is enhancing the experience of guests by sharing information at the welcome desk. “I really enjoy meeting the people that visit from around the world,” said Morris. “I like hearing their stories and watching the children’s reactions when they walk through the doors and see the giant cave bear or the dinosaur skeletons.”

On an average year, Discovery Park of America has around 30 active volunteers who perform duties in the museum, on the grounds of the park, as craftspeople and in advisory roles.

“Of course, 2020 was a tough year for all of us,” said Scott Williams, Discovery Park president and CEO. “Rounding the corner and seeing Sue Ellen sitting there with her mask on, ready to welcome guests, always made me feel a little happier.”

Morris received an etched serving board handmade by another Discovery Park volunteer, John R. Hall.

For more information on the volunteer program and how to sign up, please email Polly Brasher at pbrasher@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

For a short blog post about Sue Ellen Morris, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com/blog.