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.

Joan Thomas has been a volunteer for 16 years with Cool Sisters, a one-on-one mentoring program through Cool Girls, Incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1989 Joan was matched with Erica Turner, an at-risk nine-year-old. As a mentor, Joan focused on academics, personal accountability, tough love, and laughter. Through the years, Joan became a friend, supporter, and role model who challenged Erica to believe in herself and her ability to achieve success in life. In 2002 Erica became the first person in her family to graduate from college. She works as a programmer analyst at Georgia Pacific Corporation and has followed in her mentor’s footsteps as a Cool Girls volunteer.

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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