Two Bank of America Augusta-Aiken employees were recently awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), one of the nation’s most prestigious honors recognizing commitment to community service.

Recipients Ora Parish and Marissa Smith were honored for their dedication to public service across a variety of causes in the Augusta-Aiken area.

Each honoree met or exceeded the rigorous volunteer service requirements set by the national program, which was created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award distinguishes Americans who demonstrate sustained and impactful involvement in their communities.

• Ora Parish (President, Bank of America Augusta-Aiken) has earned the Bronze Award in 2024 for more than 200 hours of service. His commitment to giving back includes volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Golden Harvest Food Bank and serving on the boards of the Augusta Symphony and Piedmont Healthcare Foundation. “I’m honored to receive the Presidential Service Award and remain committed to strengthening our community through service,” said Parish.

• Marissa Smith (Market Executive, Bank of America Augusta-Aiken) has earned the Silver Award for accumulating more than 250 hours of volunteer service in 2024. She serves as a foundation trustee and treasurer for Augusta Technical College Foundation and volunteers her time with organizations like United Way of the CRSA, JA Discovery Center, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs of Augusta and Golden Harvest Food Bank. “Giving back to the community is something I'm passionate about, and I’m humbled to receive this award,” said Smith.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued in multiple levels (bronze, silver, gold, and lifetime achievement) depending on the number of verified service hours. Each honoree receives a certificate, a medallion or pin, and a letter signed by the President of the United States.

While thousands of people volunteer each year, only a small fraction receive this federal-level recognition. It requires passion, persistence, and verified hours logged through an official certifying organization.

According to the PVSA program, the award seeks to “honor individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action.”

Bank of America encourages employees to engage in community service and offers flexible scheduling and support for volunteering by offering paid time off to volunteer, grants up to $1,000 for organizations where employees volunteer, and a yearly celebration of employees who make a difference.

Since 2020, Bank of America Augusta-Aiken employees have contributed more than 14,000 hours of community service to local causes.