AmeriCorps member Lenwood "Lenny" Compton from Michigan will be a guest of First Lady Laura Bush at the 2003 State of the Union Address tonight. Compton, 22, is being honored for his dedication to volunteer service, which the President is encouraging for all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, Compton is a senior at Oakland University majoring in education. Compton just completed his second year as a member in the AmeriCorps Oakland program, serving at total of 1,800 hours. Compton served at a local Pontiac elementary school tutoring students in grades 1-3 in reading and writing. He also worked at Pontiac Area Transitional Housing, providing academic help to children in their after-school program. Compton was presented with the Mr. AmeriCorps award by his program as the male member of the corps who most exemplifies the qualities desired in an AmeriCorps member. After graduating, Compton plans to teach middle school math and social science.

In addition to his AmeriCorps service, Compton has been an active volunteer with Michigan Association for Leadership Development, a program that provides positive role models and mentors for young African-American men ages 10-16. Since volunteering with this program, Compton has adopted two young men as little brothers, checking in with them daily, bringing them to church with him on Sundays, and taking them to sporting events and other fun activities.

In his 2002 State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years over their lifetime to service to their communities, country and the world. In the past year the President has recognized individuals around the country who are answering his call to service. President Bush highlighted Compton in Michigan on October 14, 2002.

AmeriCorps is a network of programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other human needs. Members typically serve for a year and can choose where and how they serve. They receive a modest living allowance and a $4,725 education award to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to pay off student loans.

Created in 1993, AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation engages more than 1.5 million Americans annually in improving their communities through three programs: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. The Corporation and its programs are part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility, and help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.

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