by Jordan Joyce | Staff Writer

Volunteers now have the chance to earn special recognition from President Barack Obama. The President’s Volunteer Service Award commends students who actively volunteer and serve their community.

Awards are given based on the applicant’s age and number of hours of volunteer service. Students can accumulate hours doing various activities.

“I did service hours through my church and ROTC,” junior Cari Guba said.

The PVSA award is an honor that can enhance resumes and gives students an edge when applying to college.

“Volunteering is definitely something you want on college resumes, or even job applications,” Philbrick said. “Even the good students, this is what sets them apart.”

Paperwork can be found on the boards by the library and outside room A363, but information is also available online. To be considered for the award, students must keep accurate records of their service and be sure to follow instructions.

“Students can find all the information they need on my website. In late January or February I’ll start posting weekly updates,” Philbrick said.

The deadline for logging hours is March 22, giving time for the sponsors to review the applicants and order certificates, but students can enter their hours until April 30th. On April 19, an award ceremony will be held to honor recipients.

“It’s a matter of being aware of the rewards, and then taking the time to log it in,” Philbrick said. “People want to see what you’re doing in the community and volunteering is the epitome of it all.”

For many recipients, receiving a certificate and pin is only part of the rewarding experience of volunteering.

“It shows people how motivated you are, and what you can do,” Guba said.