President's Student Service Scholarships Awarded

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2001
Contact: Doug Brown
406-444-5523

Ninety-one Montana High School students were awarded President's Student Service $1000 scholarships for 2001, up from forty-one in 2000.

Governor Judy Martz congratulated the winners, who gained eligibility for the scholarship by working a minimum of 100 hours in services to his or her community. This community service is completed in partnership with community and religious organizations, schools and community based service learning projects as well as individual efforts to improve local communities.

"This type of commitment is what makes Montana great," said Governor Martz." These students are the future leaders of our state. The efforts of these young Montanans have greatly enhanced our communities and are creating an admirable service ethic. Lessons learned and habits formed by the winners will continue as lifelong attributes. These are truly habits of the heart."

A local community organization and the Corporation for National Serviceprovide the President's Student Service Scholarships jointly.

According to the Office of Community Service, Montana would not have the wide recognition of student service without the efforts of the Montana Campus Compact VISTA project-a statewide Corporation for National Service volunteer project linking higher education's resources with community needs. These VISTA Members (Volunteers In Service To America) devoted significant time and effort raising community awareness, seeking local funding for the awards and connecting schools with service groups.

"The real success of this scholarship program is due to the Montana Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTAs," said Governor Martz. "Thanks to the VISTA program Montana high school students have an extra $50,000 in scholarship money this year."

Communities recognizing Student Service with the President's Award are Absarokee, Anaconda, Dillon, Belgrade, Belt, Missoula, Bigfork, Billings, Rudyard, Box Elder, Hays, Great Falls, Lame Deer, Red Lodge, Darby, Drummond, Ennis, Fairfield, Lewistown, Kalispell, Glasgow, Harlowton, Worden, Eureka, Bozeman Lame Deer, Noxon, Opheim, Plains, Polson, Broadus, Power, Rapelje, Ronan, Saco, Seeley Lake, Shelby, St Ignatius, Superior, West Yellowstone, Whitefish, Winifred and Winnett.

Individuals or communities interested in more information about the President's Service Scholarships can contact the Montana Office of Community Service at (406)444-5547 or Montana Campus Compact, 302 University Hall, Missoula, MT 59812 or (www.umt.edu/mtcompact).

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