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Washington, D.C. — Students at John Glenn High School in New Concord, Ohio, will receive the President's Volunteer Service Award from former Senator John Glenn in recognition of their record-setting food drive. The students collected more than 46,000 items, mostly canned goods, between November and December 2003, then donated the food to area Salvation Army facilities.
"Concern for those who need a helping hand, and more importantly, being willing to take action to help out — that describes the great students at JGHS in new Concord," said Glenn, who is an alumnus of the school and will present the awards in person at 8:30 a.m., May 28. "I'm glad to see them getting the recognition they deserve. I hope their actions will be seen as an example and inspiration for other schools. As graduates of the school many years ago, Annie and I are very proud of what these students continue to do."
Principal Frank Gregory credits government teacher Rick Sherman with inspiring the students during the annual drive, which has set national records for the last five years. Sherman was looking for a way to get his students involved in community service, and focused on making the annual drive a competition. Each class vies to be the leading contributor of food items. And every year, "the senior class wants to top the last year," Gregory said. This year's drive topped last year's by about 2,000 items.
Senior Katie Castor, who is president of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society, will accept the award on behalf of the school from Glenn. The National Honor Society sponsors the drive each year. In addition to being NHS president and valedictorian of her class, Castor also is Glenn's niece.
The President's Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes individuals, families, and groups who have made a sustained commitment to volunteer service, was created by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Glenn and former Senator Robert Dole are honorary co-chairmen of the council. The President's Council is housed at the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America. The programs of the Corporation engage more than two million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.
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