By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Aug. 13, 2026) Ocean Pines resident Jeanette Latzo was named the Ocean Pines Association Recreation and Parks Department’s volunteer of the year at Saturday’s annual meeting.

Citing Latzo’s continued dedication to community engagement, Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue presented the Sam Wilkinson Award to Latzo.

The recognition honors a neighborhood volunteer who, over the past year, has shown themselves to be a pillar in creating OPA events and fostering positive public participation.

According to Donahue, Latzo has donated countless hours to the community’s recreation and parks team. She has volunteered at programs such as the annual Easter and Christmas breakfasts, serving concessions at the summer’s weekly Concerts in the Park, and at P.E.P. Club events. The Ocean Pines P.E.P. Club is a social organization for adults with developmental disabilities.

“She does a lot of different other tasks, and sometimes she just comes and does things to keep me on track. That’s a chore in itself, let me tell you,” Donahue said. “… She is our personal little rock star.”

Latzo has also been a member of the Delmarva Chorus for 23 years and an active volunteer at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where she serves as fellowship chair and helps organize events.

Ocean Pines recognizes a standout volunteer annually with the Sam Wilkinson Award.

The accolade was created to honor Sam Wilkinson, an Ocean Pines community member who, in 2003, at the age of 8 years old, tragically lost his life. Sam’s father, Bob,was also a volunteer for OPA’s recreation and parks, coaching soccer.

“As a way to honor the memory of Sam and to honor the Wilkinson family for their dedication to Ocean Pines recreation and parks, this award was established to recognize other outstanding individuals who dedicated their time and talents to help others,” Donahue said.