An educational assistant at Mitchell Middle School has won the Premier's Volunteer Service Award.

Rachel Penner was nominated by her boss, co-workers and many others in January due to her leadership in the Mitchell Middle School playground committee as well as coaching and other volunteer service.  Penner says she was shocked no one let it slip and even her husband was able to keep it a secret until Wednesday, March 11th when she found out she won.

Penner notes she was truly honoured when she found out she was not only nominated but won.

"I cried [when I first found out], I really did because so many people volunteer but it's quite something to work with people who would actually think to do this.  People who would think about a way to honour the hours I've put in and I was truly honoured and truly humbled to work with people who would think to do this for me.  It was very touching to know they had done that.  The second thing I thought was 'oh my goodness, what am I going to wear?'"

Penner will be receiving her award at the Volunteer Manitoba's annual Volunteer Week Awards Dinner on April 14th.