Latest news with #PresidentialServiceAward
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Academic Magnet High aims to restore Presidental Service Award for student volunteers
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A long-standing tradition that once connected Charleston County students with the nation's highest office has quietly come to a halt—and now, Academic Magnet High School is working to bring it back. For years, students at Academic Magnet were recognized with the Presidential Service Award, a national honor that celebrates academic achievement and community involvement. But this school year, something was missing: the official letter from the President of the United States. 'Academic Magnet—we're definitely known for our academics, but with that comes a great responsibility,' said Assistant Principal Kylene Gerideau-Grant. 'We encourage our students to be strong community members. While 30 hours of community service is a requirement, many go well beyond that.' In May, more than 50 students were honored with certificates for their volunteer work, provided through AmeriCorps. But school officials were surprised to find that the presidential portion of the award once included with a signed letter—had quietly disappeared. 'This year, I was able to get the awards before the school year ended—but there was no letter from the president,' Gerideau-Grant said. 'When I went back into the account to check the numbers, I couldn't access it anymore. A message popped up saying the award would no longer be offered at this time.' The school never received formal notice about the program's pause, leaving both students and administrators disappointed. 'It's hard being a student—balancing academics, sports, and school activities. But stepping outside of school to serve the community? That says so much about their character,' Gerideau-Grant said. 'They deserve to be recognized.' While the program's future remains unclear, staff at Academic Magnet say they're hopeful the Presidential Service Award will return next school year. News 2 will keep you updated as we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Who won Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Awards 2025 winners?
Holy Angels announced this year's Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Award winners during its fourth annual award luncheon at East Ridge Country Club Thursday, March 6. This year's winners are Olivia Ostendorff and Shelby Owens. The event, sponsored by Red River Bank and The Shreveport Times honors young women whose leadership, poise and determination are demonstrated through meaningful acts of philanthropy for their fellow students and community. Six young women were recognized for their work in the community, but Ostendorff and Owens were tied as the 2025 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Award winners. Olivia Ostendorff is a senior at Loyola College Prep and does volunteer work with Community Renewal Friendship House, Advisory Council Member of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) and plays guitar and sings for worship Sunday mornings at both First Baptist Church Shreveport and First Methodist Church Shreveport. She has received numerous accolades, including Louisiana Girls State Governor, Freshman, Junior, and Senior Class President, Business Club Co-Chair, Cheer Captain, Student of the Year Finalist, Presidential Service Award, AP Scholar with Honor and A-Honor Roll (9th-12th grades). Shelby Owens is a senior at Captain Shreve High School and has completed over 300 hours of service work through the Elks Lodge #122 Auxiliary, A.C. Steere Elementary, Oak Park Elementary, Captain Shreve High School, Red River Revel, Reruns are Fun and Broadmoor Baptist Church. She has received numerous accolades, including Captain Shreve High School Student of the Year, Caddo Parish High School Student of the Year Finalist, AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Distinction, Homecoming Senior and Junior Maid, Distinguished Scholar Award, Silver Key Scholastic Literary Award and Art Break Best of 11th Grade Literary Award. More: Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Awards announces 2024 winner Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Meet the Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Awards 2025 winners
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meet Olivia Ostendorff a Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman 2025 Honoree
The third annual Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Awards hosted by Holy Angels and sponsored by Red River Bank and the Shreveport Times is almost here and the six honorees have been carefully selected. The Most Influential Young Woman nominations will go to those who are high school juniors or seniors whose leadership, poise and determination are demonstrated through meaningful acts of philanthropy for their fellow students or community. Get to know Olivia Ostendorff below before the awards ceremony March 6. Olivia Ostendorff is a senior at Loyola College Prep and is an active member in her community and school. Ostendorff said, "community service, to me, means doing what I can to better the place around me." Ostendorff does volunteer work with Community Renewal Friendship House, Advisory Council Member of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) and plays guitar and sings for worship Sunday mornings at both First Baptist Church Shreveport and First Methodist Church Shreveport. "The first day I volunteered at a Community Renewal I fell in love. I've always wanted to help others find their place, and Community Renewal's mission resonated with me. By simply getting to know our neighbors, we can connect neighborhoods and restore communities to combat divisiveness that is so prevalent," said Ostendorff. Ostendorff said if you want to get involved in your community, start small. She said, "a rising tide lifts all ships, or in other words big things have small beginnings." She has also received numerous accolades, including Louisiana Girls State Governor, Freshman, Junior, and Senior Class President, Business Club Co-Chair, Cheer Captain, Student of the Year Finalist, Presidential Service Award, AP Scholar with Honor and A-Honor Roll (9th-12th grades). "By listening and reserving judgment, our community can be a place where people are quick to listen and slow to speak. Connecting with our community on deeper levels can solve our most divisive issues," said Ostendorff. The 2025 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman and Most Influential Young Woman Award luncheon March 6, 2025, at East Ridge Country Club. To purchase tickets or tables visit Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Meet Olivia Ostendorff a Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman 2025 Honoree
