The Paragon Partnership is a community collaboration with a mission to promote and recognize volunteerism in Hampshire County. The founding Paragon Partners are the Daily Hampshire Gazette, American Red Cross/Pioneer Valley Chapter and the United Way of Hampshire County working in collaboration with ACT Volunteer Center and RSVP of Hampshire & Franklin Counties.

Annual Paragon Award nominees for four community service awards are solicited from the community. Awardees are selected by an appointed panel made up of community members and Paragon Partner representatives. The Paragon Partnership hosts an annual celebration to present the awards and highlight the spirit and benefits of volunteerism and public service in Hampshire County.

Watch for more information about the eighth annual Paragon Awards Celebration in April 2012. Nominations for award recipients accepted year round. Nominations received by January 30 of each year are considered for awards to presented each April.

Hardly Random Acts of Kindness: Read about 2011 Paragon Recipients