Office of the Secretary |
Contact:Joan
Moody
|
For Immediate Release:September 26, 2003 |
202-208-6416
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Take Pride in America and Presidential Awards
Presented To Outstanding Volunteers |
WASHINGTON--Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today gave national awards to 15 individuals and groups whom she named as model volunteers under the Take Pride in America campaign, which encourages citizen stewardship of public lands and resources. Take Pride in America is part of President Bush's USA Freedom Corps, dedicated to fostering a culture of service to others. John Bridgeland, Director of USA Freedom Corps, presented the winners with the President's Service Award at the ceremony, which was held in the Department of the Interior headquarters. "These winners represent
the epitome of good citizenship," said Secretary Norton. "Just
as good neighbors in the past few weeks have helped others to protect
and restore their homes from Hurricane Isabel, these volunteers have
helped to protect, defend and restore our nation's natural and cultural
treasures. They give all of us an example of what it means to be good
stewards of our lands and our history." Secretary Norton launched the Take Pride in America program on April 16, 2003, at the National Press Club. On June 27, Norton named Marti Allbright, former chief deputy attorney general of Colorado, as the director. "Take Pride in America has struck a chord with people all over the country and has already enlisted more than a 100 charter partners - including major corporations, conservation groups, service organizations, trade associations and a bipartisan coalition of state governors, senators and members of Congress," says Allbright. Partnerships with state governments encourage federal and state land managers to cooperate in identifying volunteer opportunities and to encourage public participation in the care of public lands and resources. Corporations, civic organizations, community groups, youth groups and individuals can participate in Take Pride in America projects and events, such as cleanup days, or they can commit blocks of volunteer service time to local restoration efforts. For more information, go to www.takepride.gov Take Pride in America recognizes volunteers with individual awards based on hours of service as well as the annual national awards, such as those presented today, in recognition of outstanding stewardship in 2002. Take Pride in America received more than 100 nominations for national award projects. The winners were selected in six categories, including youth groups, constituent organizations, educational institutions, individuals, public/private partnerships and business. They include the following: Business Category Constituent Organizations
Pymatuning Lake Association
SOLV Massachusetts Community Water
Watch Individual Category Diane Novakowski Joe and Betty White Educational Institutions
Chico Junior High School
Partnerships Category
New York Restoration Project
Volunteer for Outdoor Colorado
Youth Category Venture Crew 220 - Boy Scouts
of America |