Congratulations, Sparsh Desai! The LSC volunteer has just won a New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award.

This is the first time a volunteer nominated from LSC has received one of these awards, a celebration of public service throughout the state (there is an estimated 1.4 million volunteers in New Jersey). Sparsh won the “Verizon Service Through STEM Award,” which honors individuals or groups involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism will present Sparsh Desai with his award at the dinner reception and ceremony on June 19 at the Newark Museum.

LSC is a magnet for passionate individuals who love science and people, with more than 600 volunteers and interns annually who donate over 50,000 hours to the Science Center. To shine among our group of amazing volunteers is an achievement in and of itself, and Sparsh truly stands out as an LSC Ambassador.

Since March 2015, Sparsh has donated more than 568 hours and has a true passion for STEM. He has enjoyed reaching out to our guests and taking the time to learn all the exhibits so he could engage visitors and enhance their experience. The Volunteer Development Team has observed Sparsh in action countless times, while he has interacted well with guests of all ages throughout our 295,000 square foot facility.

Sparsh represents the core values of our institution by acting in a professional, courteous manner and was always eager to share his knowledge with guests as an LSC Ambassador.

Another highlight from Sparsh’s time at LSC includes helping out at Science Camp. In addition to being enthusiastic and knowledgable with our campers, Sparsh even volunteered to be shot across the LSC parking lot in order to demonstrate Newton’s third law. We are thrilled to have him return for Science Camp this summer!

As a student at Colonia High School, Sparsh is sure to continue to make a positive impact in this world as he pursues his college education and a career in STEM. Congratulations again!