Missourians are honored for dedication, service

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Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell presented the Lieutenant Governor's Service Awards to five area members of national service programs March 17 at an awards ceremony held at the State Capitol. A total of 18 people from across the state received awards.|ret||ret||tab|

Nearly 500 national service participants and directors from across the state gathered in Jefferson City to celebrate Missouri Service Day. This annual event celebrates the dedication and hard work of hundreds of Missouri volunteers who are involved in service organizations, including Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America and Senior Service Corps. |ret||ret||tab|

"I am honored to award these Missourians who exemplify the true spirit of citizenship," Maxwell said. "Their leadership and dedication to service is a quality we should all strive to achieve."|ret||ret||tab|

Receiving the 2004 Lieutenant Governor's Service Award were: Springfieldians Cherice Preiner, Bailey Alternative High School, Learn & Serve; Anna Codutti, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, VISTA; Kimberly White, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, VISTA; and Jim Murphy, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Senior Corps; and from Purdy, Becky Stults, Purdy Reading Coaches, AmeriCorps.|ret||ret||tab|

During the awards ceremony, Maxwell delivered the keynote address. Following his speech, the Missouri Community Service Commission presented Maxwell with a token of appreciation for his support of community service across the state and for his participation as chair of the commission. |ret||ret||tab|

Many of the honorees also received recognition from their state legislators for making a positive difference in the lives of others, both in Missouri and across the United States. Besides the awards ceremony, Missouri Service Day participants attended various educational workshops and visited with their legislators.|ret||ret||tab|

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