23 volunteers recognized for their dedication to serving the community

**For individual photos, or to schedule interview opportunities, please call 314.406.1920.**

St. Louis, Thursday, May 10, 2007 - In recognition of their service to the community, 23 American Red Cross Youth Services volunteers and AmeriCorps members have been honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award. Honorees will receive a service pin and a congratulatory note from President Bush.

The following Red Cross volunteers, ages 15 to 24, completed at least 100 hours of service in a 12-month period for a bronze award, 175 hours for a silver award, or 250 hours for a gold award:

• Scott Frawley - Bronze (St. Louis, MO)
• Amit Shintre - Bronze (St. Louis, MO)
• Ariana Mooradian - Bronze (St. Louis, MO)
• Jessica Wyatt - Bronze (St. Louis, MO)
• Maria Chandler - Bronze (O'Fallon, MO)
• Justin Kerns - Bronze (O'Fallon, IL)
• Traleesa Parker - Bronze (Shiloh, IL)
• Artesha Parker - Bronze (Shiloh, IL)
• Kristin Whiteside - Bronze (O'Fallon, IL)
• Jennifer O'Hara - Bronze (Florissant, MO)
• William Perry - Silver (Florissant, MO)
• Michael Wilson - Silver (Florissant, MO)
• Kara Thomas - Silver (O'Fallon, IL)
• Bridget Adams - Silver (O'Fallon, IL)
• Matt Smitherman - Silver (St. Charles, MO)
• Kalesha Edington - Silver (Affton, MO)
• Elizabeth Baker - Gold (O'Fallon, MO)
• Marie Major - Gold (St. Louis, MO)
• Alexa Pippen - Gold (Crystal City, MO)
• Elena Sabin - Gold (St. Louis, MO)
• Kate Johnston - Gold (Collinsville, IL)
• Christopher O'Hara - Gold (Florissant, MO)
• Andrew Webb - Gold (St. Charles, MO)

About the President's Volunteer Service Award:
The President's Volunteer Service Award was created in 2003 after President Bush issued a call to action during his 2002 State of the Union Address, asking more Americans to volunteer their time to better their communities and nation. The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a committee made up of appointed members with backgrounds in business, education, media, government, nonprofit organizations, sports and entertainment, issues the award on President Bush's behalf. The President's Volunteer Service Award is presented to volunteers as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. 

About Red Cross Youth Services:
American Red Cross Youth Services are designed for high school teens. As part of Youth Services, Red Cross YouthCorps trains individuals in the programs and services of the American Red Cross during after-school group sessions held once a week. Training focuses on health and safety and disaster preparedness. Red Cross programs are then presented by YouthCorps members throughout area schools. Last year, YouthCorps members reached more than 2,600 peers and remained active in community outreach through various service projects.

As an active member of YouthCorps, students are eligible to attend a three-day, two-night Leadership Development Camp at Trout Lodge each summer. YouthCorps members also receive free training and Red Cross certification in CPR and First Aid. Leadership roles are available through the Youth Advisory Board, which plans activities and programs for area YouthCorps members and provides insight regarding important issues for high school students. In addition, two YouthCorps members currently serve on the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter's Board of Directors.

To start a YouthCorps group in an area school, students need a school sponsor, a classroom where the group can meet, and at least six high school students interested in peer teaching and service projects.

For More Information:
To learn more about the President's Volunteer Service Award, or how to get involved in the community through Red Cross Youth Services, please contact the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2717 or www.redcrossstl.org.

About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 90 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 410,000 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.

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