WASHINGTON, D.C. – President George W. Bush today recognized five outstanding volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the 80th celebration of African American History Month at the White House.

Katie and Karl’Nequa Ball are sisters who volunteer with Mississippi Youth Engaged in Service, a program that trains ninth through twelfth graders to be service leaders in their schools and communities. Katie, a high school sophomore, develops programs for youth to raise awareness about people living with disabilities. She has volunteered for two years at an assisted living complex for the disabled and has planned craft projects and holiday dinners for the residents. For three years, Karl’Nequa, a high school junior, has been a leader in planning the Mississippi Youth Service Summit in which more than 400 elementary and middle school students, statewide, celebrate volunteerism and service-learning. Following Hurricane Katrina, Katie and Karl’Nequa participated in a day of service in Biloxi, Mississippi, in which they helped remove debris from yards and homes impacted by the storm. Katie and Karl’Nequa have each volunteered more than 150 hours with Mississippi Youth Engaged in Service.

To read the President’s remarks, please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060222-6.html.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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