Henry Champagne

Springfield, VA Volunteer at Audrey Moore & South Run Rec Centers Length of Service: 8-10 years Adapted Aquatics Assistant

Henry Champagne is an outstanding Rec Center volunteer because he takes such a personal interest in each of his customers while they are learning to swim. He takes pride in remembering each customer’s name and what they were working on the previous week. He makes everyone feel empowered by making note of their progress. Champagne is known to have a warm “grandpa” effect on the customers who love to listen and learn from him, and he is consistently caring, giving, and creative with each of his classes. He’s known for being “the fun guy,” too, letting the kids race with him or challenging them to “catch him” in the pool.

Champagne was among the first volunteers to return after the COVID-19 shutdown, and his help was invaluable. He made certain that equipment was cleaned between classes, assisted customers as much as was allowed, and generally helped to keep programs on track.