FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Six Franklin County teens were honored Sunday for their volunteer work.
During a ceremony at Red Valley United Methodist Church, the six each received a medal, certificate and letter from President Biden. Dr. Kevin Siers, superintendent of Franklin County Schools, attended the ceremony.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is given to individuals who qualify through volunteer work for nonprofit organizations and causes. Red Valley became a certifying organization for this program last year under Pastor Jae Song, the church said.
A church committee tasked with tracking the volunteer hours says the work was completed between June 30, 2023, and July 1, 2024, and includes helping at the USDA Food Pantry, volunteering at the Rescue Mission, helping at Vacation Bible School and time at the Red Oak Manor assisted living facility in Rocky Mount. They also donated their time to help at various charity events and assist with service projects in the area. In total, the six, who range in age from 10 to 17, logged 450 hours of volunteer work during the recognition period.
The award winners are Abby Clay, Shane Clay, Tyler Gurley, Parker Sharp, Amy Song and Joey Song.
Siers said there is probably no higher sign of moral integrity than volunteering time to serve others.
“Too often, today’s children are accused of being lazy, self-centered, and more interested in their virtual lives than their real ones. But I’ve often noticed that the rising generation has qualities that the previous group sometimes lacked,” Siers said during a congratulatory speech at the church. “They are definitely nicer to each other than we were growing up, and they have more empathy for other people’s individual problems. They seem to be less judgmental about others, and of course they want to make the world a better place for all of us.”
All rights reserved.
