In an era dominated by screens and digital distractions, one local community member has been recognized at the highest level for bringing people together face-to-face.
This summer, Mary Dickinson was awarded the prestigious Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for her exceptional dedication to local youth and community members during the 2025–2026 school year. Dickinson was honored for creating and leading the Panther Kids Games & Skills Club, an engaging, tech-free after-school program at Logan-Magnolia Schools.
Recognizing a growing need for screen-free recreation and meaningful intergenerational connection, Dickinson designed the club for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., students gathered to power down their devices and engage in hands-on fun.
Behind the scenes, Dickinson organized everything from logistics to weekly programming. She recruited and coordinated a dedicated group of volunteers from the Logan community, creating a warm, supportive environment where different generations could learn from one another.
Each session was designed to help students learn classic games that encouraged patience, strategy, and teamwork, do skill building exercises where volunteers shared traditional skills, crafts, and life lessons with the youth, and done all while building meaningful connections.
Thanks to Dickinson’s vision and volunteer coordination, the program is offered entirely free for all participating families, ensuring every interested child had access to a fun, screen-free space after the school bell rang.
The Governor’s Volunteer Award highlights individuals whose service significantly enhances Iowa communities. Dickinson’s efforts at Logan-Magnolia Schools have not only enriched the lives of young students but have also strengthened the social fabric of Logan by bridging the gap between generations.