We would like to congratulate 15 of our members who received Presidential Service Awards from Barack Obama this past year! The following press release contains all the details, check it out. Thanks everyone, we appreciate your hard work so much.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Randi Gross

440.396.3116

Presidential Service Awards given to 15 Cleveland Volunteers

Minds Matter volunteers mentor Cleveland’s youth

Cleveland (November 16, 2009) — Minds Matter of Cleveland, a local nonprofit organization, would like to congratulate 15 members who received Presidential Service Awards from President Barack Obama.  The Presidential Service Award recognizes the valuable contributions that volunteers make to their communities.  Minds Matter volunteers committed to over 5,000 hours of service last year.

The Presidential Service Award was established in 2003 as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.  To date, this award has been bestowed to more than 1.5 million of the Nation's deserving volunteers.  Depending on the level of award, recipients can receive an official President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin, a personalized certificate of achievement, and a congratulatory letter from the President.  The following Minds Matters volunteers received the award, Michael Lagoni, Franklin Lebo, Meghan Pethtel, Kristen San Marco, Justin Dailey, Joel Hamilton, Matthew Koriath, Krystal Mindeck, Asmaae Benmerzouga, Joan Chase, Jim LaRocca, Brian McAllester, Lona Ruot, Kevin Stone, Jon Briggs.

Minds Matter, Founder, Chairman & President, Michael Lagoni states, “The enormity of our education problems requires private citizens take action and create change.  Our team of young professional volunteers set out to make a positive impact on one of the most important issues determining Cleveland’s future success – youth education. In the process of building this organization, our teammates have learned important lessons about leadership, entrepreneurship and community service.  They have earned the label of being the “freshman class of leaders” in our city.”

About Minds Matter 
Minds Matter of Cleveland is the newest chapter of the national Minds Matter organization.  Since its founding in New York City in 1991, the effectiveness of Minds Matter has been affirmed - 100 percent of its students have been accepted into a four-year college.  The organization has expanded to six cities, including Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, New York and Portland.  The Cleveland chapter established a strong foundation during its first year of operation in 2008.  Its students made substantial improvements in their writing and critical thinking, math and SAT scores.  Equally important is that 100 percent of its students gained admission to leading college summer programs.  Operationally, the organization exceeded all of its goals by enrolling more students, recruiting more volunteers and raising more funds than initially planned. For more information visit the Minds Matter of Cleveland web site, http://www.mindsmattercleveland.org/.

##