President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Yirela Alcantara when he arrives at the airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday, January 12, 2006. Alcantara is a volunteer and translator for Spanish-speaking parents at Jupiter Elementary School and Independence Middle School in Jupiter, Florida. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 450 individuals around the country, like Alcantara, since March 2002.

Alcantara has been a volunteer at Jupiter Elementary School for five years and Independence Middle School for two years. She uses her bilingual skills to assist Spanish-speaking parents at parent/teacher conferences, after-school events, and all Parent Teacher Organization and School Advisory Council meetings. Alcantara is also the president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Independence Middle School. She assists with special events, school newsletters and implemented an honor roll breakfast to recognize students for academic achievement.

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. Studies show that approximately 6 million more Americans are volunteering today than in 2001. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.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.usafreedomcorpskids.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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