Honor student wins service award

Eighth-grader Benjamin Marius Duclos, 12, an honor student in the GATE program at Mesa View Middle School, has received the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for a community service project he put together to benefit Shoes That Fit.

Benjamin raised enough money to buy and donate more than 200 new pairs of athletic shoes for local school children. Shoes that Fit supplies local area needy school children with new shoes.

Benjamin spent many hours writing to friends and acquaintances to raise money for his project. He also sold T-shirts, recycled and held a fundraiser at a local Jamba Juice.

His diligence enabled him to surpass his goal of 180 pairs of shoes. Benjamin also became an expert bargain shopper, which was proven to him when a receipt from Mervyn’s showed that he had saved $2,754.29 on his purchase.

In addition, Benjamin volunteered daily for 30 minutes before school helping various teachers at Mesa View. He developed leadership abilities through discussing his project with others and inspiring them to act.

— Candice Baker