Students Honored with First Volunteer Service Awards

VALDOSTA -- When Monique Byrd and Whitney Tutt received Volunteer Service awards at the 2010 Student Awards Banquet, they became the first Valdosta State University students to be formally recognized for their service to the local community.

Byrd was chosen as the Volunteer Voice Community Service Award winner for her commitment to serving those in need. The recent VSU graduate totaled 225 service hours at 20 different agencies, all while balancing schoolwork and activities with various campus organizations, including the Student Action Council, for which she served as president for three consecutive years.

A active member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Student Government Association, Byrd said she plans to begin studies this fall in VSU's Master of Education in School Counseling program, while remaining actively involved in community service.

A senior majoring in business management, Tutt received the Senior Service Award for accumulating more than 100 volunteer hours. Originally from Marietta, Tutt is studying for a minor in Spanish and holds memberships in Golden Key, SIFE, and Alpha Chi National Honor Society.

“The awards were created to honor students who donate their time to service--related organizations in the Valdosta community and surrounding areas,” said Ann Lacey, director of Volunteer Services and Parent Programs. “Through the presentation of these awards, we hope to increase awareness of the benefits of service to both students and the local community.”

Candidates for these awards must demonstrate strong leadership abilities and devotion to the community through service, document a minimum of 100 service hours with the Office of Volunteer Services, and maintain good academic standing with the university.

Call Volunteer Services at 229-249-4978 or e-mail volunteer@valdosta.edu for more information.