• Katherine Burke of Bennett’s Mill Middle School has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Burke earned her award by working with special needs students. She created home-made t-shirts for the students of Bennett’s Mill Middle School’s Special Olympic team. She also put together scrapbooks of the students as a Christmas gift for their families. At the end of the school year, Burke prepared calendars for the following year with pictures highlighting the special needs students and all of their accomplishments throughout the previous school year.

“I would encourage other young people to give everyone a chance and they must get over their “fears” of the special education students and become involved. Other young people need to know that conditions are not contagious but they can catch a great deal more if they truly connect with one of the kids. Once you are able to connect, you will have the best feeling in the world.”