Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site recognized Sarah Carey and Sarah Gray for their volunteer service at the annual City of Olathe Volunteer Recognition event on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The award is given to a youth volunteer who exhibits leadership, is a good example to his or her peers, has a love of learning and history, is reliable, and makes a measurable contribution to the site.

Sarah Carey is a twelve-year-old homeschooled student from Tonganoxie. She started volunteering at Mahaffie three years ago and loves every aspect of their youth volunteer program. Some of Sarah’s favorite activities on the farm include making biscuits on the cookstove, gardening, Wild West Days, and learning about the Mahaffie family history. When Sarah is not volunteering at Mahaffie, she can be found reading, drawing, painting, spending time with her horse, or playing the piano.

Sarah Gray is an eighth-grade student at Santa Fe Trail Middle School. She has volunteered at Mahaffie for two years and loves working the farm and sharing history. In addition to volunteering, she is active in band, volleyball, and drama. Sarah plays oboe with the Kansas City Youth Symphony and the Olathe Youth Symphony and the mandolin at bluegrass festivals. Her other hobbies include reading, writing, unicycling, and life-action roleplay.

The Youth Volunteer Award is given annually in honor of Carrie Newson, daughter of Mike and Lynette Newson. Carrie was a dedicated volunteer who tragically passed away in a car accident in March 1998. The stone fireplace and stagecoach artwork on the patio of the Heritage Center are also dedicated in Carrie’s memory.