The Palace Theater was honored to present long-time volunteer and Watertown native Richard Sullivan with this year’s “2015 Volunteer of the Year” award during the performing art center’s Volunteer and Staff End-of-the-Season Celebration at La Bella Vista on Aug. 28.

   Sullivan has been a faithful volunteer at the not-for-profit performing arts center since its re-opening in 2004, where he has provided more than a decade of exemplary customer service and remarkable team mentality. As one of thirteen nominees proposed for the honor by fellow members of the Volunteer Guard and the theater’s administration, Sullivan was ultimately chosen as this year’s recipient by a review team comprised of the theater’s previous award recipients.

   In recognition of his dedication and commendable service, Sullivan’s name has been added to a commemorative plaque that will be on display in the Box Office lobby along with the names of the award’s previous winners Richard Rappi of Waterbury, Karen Streeter of Naugatuck, the late Betty Stotz of Waterbury, Neil Holland of Waterbury, Patricia Bosco of Waterbury, NeNean Cofrancesco of Waterbury, and Cathy Garten of Naugatuck.