Teen’s volunteer service earns national Spirit of Community Award

Seventeen-year-old Riley Brinkman, of Clear Lake, 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 granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. 

Riley, a senior at Clear Lake High School, spent the past summer in the country of Ecuador serving in multiple ways.  

She spent one month in Montana training and preparing before traveling to Ecuador for one month.  Riley traveled to many cities in Ecuador serving at churches, orphanages, hospitals, schools, jails and rehabilitation centers. 

Locally, Riley has been active in her church, Zion Lutheran. She has been on mission trips during spring breaks, traveling to Texas and New York, and has volunteered for Vacation Bible School and has filled other various roles.  She has also spent time as a volunteer at Clear Creek Elementary School, helping with fundraising efforts for CARES and other community efforts.

“I have told others how much I learned and grew from the experience, but I would also be sure to encourage people to volunteer, because those you are helping aren’t the only ones who benefit from the opportunity,” Riley said in her application for the award. - Read More Via e-Edition