Bonner Leaders Program Receives State Award for Service to Region

Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear presents the 2010 Youth Volunteer Service Award
at the Governor's Mansion. From left: LWC Vice President of Student Services &
Enrollment Management Dean Adams; LWC Bonner Leader Zack Smith of Harrodsburg,
Ky.; LWC Director of Civic Engagement and Student Leadership and Co-Director of the
Bonner Leader Program Amy Thompson-Wells; LWC Bonner Leader Elizabeth Goode
of Somerset, Ky.; Beshear; and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Deputy
Commissioner Eric Friedlander.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College Bonner Leaders program was honored Thursday for its service to the region.

The LWC Bonners Leader program received the 2010 Youth Volunteer Service Award, presented at the Governor's Awards for Volunteerism and Service awards ceremony, held at the Governor's Mansion.

"This is a wonderful award for our college because it recognizes the contributions made by our students to surrounding communities," said LWC Director of Civic Engagement and Student Leadership and Co-Director of the Bonner Leader Program Amy Thompson-Wells. "The Bonner leader program distinguishes Lindsey Wilson as a college committed to improving its community. The first phone call people in the community make when they need volunteers is to the Bonner Leaders."

Founded in 2005, the LWC Bonner Leaders program has expanded from eight to 56 students who serve at 15 community partner sites. Each student commits to 215-300 hours of service during the academic year. Many students have give more than 1,000 hours at their community partner sites.

The Bonner Leaders assist with literacy programs, tutoring and mentoring, and other service events that raise awareness of issues such as poverty, education and the environment.

The Bonner Leaders' work with Camp Casey after-school program at Colonel William Casey School earned the program the 2007 statewide Bridges Over Barrier Best Partner Non-Profit Award. The award is presented for exceptional contribution and commitment to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the students they serve.

Now in its 16th year under the direction of the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service, the Governor's Awards for Volunteerism and Service awards recognize individuals and groups who serve communities across the commonwealth.

The Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service is a statewide 25-member bipartisan group appointed by the governor and charged with engaging citizens in community service opportunities that enable volunteers, organizations and businesses to share ideas and collaborate to address the state's needs.