Three Medway High School teens receive award for food pantry service

The Medway Village Food Pantry held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Night on Oct. 9 at the historic Thayer House. It was an evening filled with gratitude, community, and celebration.

During the event, 19 volunteers were recognized with the Marilyn H. Conley Volunteer Service Award, including three Medway High School students - Aadhavan Sivakumar, Oviya Sivakumar and Harsh Balamurugan. Each honoree dedicated 100 or more hours of service to the pantry between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025 - a remarkable display of commitment and compassion.

This year marked a special change to the long-standing recognition program. Formerly known as the “President’s Volunteer Service Award,” the honor was renamed after the pantry’s founder, Marilyn Conley, following the loss of federal funding to the program earlier this year. The new name reflects the deep gratitude and admiration the organization has for Marilyn, whose vision, generosity, and tireless spirit continue to inspire every aspect of the pantry’s work.

“The award’s new name couldn’t be more fitting,” said Medway Village Food Pantry Executive Director Susan Dietrich. “Marilyn embodies the heart of our mission - giving selflessly, leading with kindness, and showing what it truly means to care for your community.”

The evening was a joyful reminder of how much can be accomplished when neighbors come together to help neighbors. The Medway Village Food Pantry extends heartfelt thanks to all its volunteers - the driving force behind its mission to ensure every Medway family has access to nutritious food and essential support.

Submitted by Medway Village Food Pantry