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2023 Volunteer Awards: Communicator

Andrew Kovatch At his day job in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andrew provides digital advertising solutions for local, regional, and national brands. He combines this skill and knowledge with his enthusiasm for the NCNST and his trail community by dedicating his personal time to the NCTA Marketing Committee. In 2023, he generously (and voluntarily) managed the […]

Beau Swanson: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Beau Swanson Central patch + Michigan, Mackinac Bridge, and 1000 Miles Three years ago I found myself overweight, unhappy, and just starting my road of sobriety. (I’m three years clean now.) I wanted more out of life and was looking for purpose, something bigger than myself. I was already starting to walk daily and got […]

Matt Patterson: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Matt Patterson Central patch + Pennsylvania, Ohio, Mackinac Bridge, 1000 Miles, and 2000 Miles Early on, while I was working on my completion of the Buckeye Trail, I was thinking, “What’s next?” After attending the NCTA Celebration in Marquette, Michigan, I knew what was next. My wife and I had never been north of Flint, […]