RJ
Rachael Jones
  • psychology
  • Class of 2015
  • Biglerville, Pa.

Rachael Jones Receives Gold Community Service Award

2015 May 8

Rachael Jones, of Biglerville, Pa., will be honored at Lebanon Valley College's May 9 Commencement ceremony as a Gold Community Service Award recipient, having served more than 100 hours, and having completed a multi-day residential service project.

Jones, a graduate of Biglerville High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in psychology.

The 2015 Gold Award recipients, 22 in all, served the local community in a variety of ways, including participation on service trips during their spring break to Point Pleasant, New Jersey; Pendleton County, West Virginia; and Wake County, North Carolina. They raised funds for the American Cancer Society, encouraged athletes in Special Olympics, built homes with Habitat for Humanity and coordinated dances at local senior centers, among other service projects.

"Students who achieve a Gold Community Service Award are invariable people of exceptional character and quality," according to Rev. Paul Fullmer, who serves as Chaplain and the Director of Community Service at Lebanon Valley College. "Recognizing the exceptional accomplishments of these students inspires them to continue after College in a life of service, and inspires younger students to service as well."

The awards system developed as an incentive for Lebanon Valley College students consists of three tiers. Students who serve 25-60 hours receive a Bronze Community Service Award, 61-99 hours of service merit a Silver Award, and more than 100 hours of service in addition to participation in a residential project of at least three days earns students a Gold Award. Service awards are posted to the student's Job Center Profile where prospective employees may note the involvement.

Since the program was initiated in 2008, 106 LVC students have earned the Gold Community Service Award. A complete list of student recipients is available at http://www.lvc.edu/community-service/gold-awards.aspx.