Rabbit Fest royalty receive Presidential Volunteer Service Awards
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
One by one, members of the current Rabbit Fest royalty lined up at last Tuesday's city council workshop to receive Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, straight from Washington, D.C.
Ranging in age from infant to Senior Miss, the royalty have accumulated 2,200 by appearing at events where they have done everything from greeting guests at events and handling registration, to passing out water to runners, to serving plates at the recent Feast of Sharing.
Each of the recipients was given a signed certificate from President Obama. The office of the President bestows the award upon the verification of volunteer service by certifying organizations, like the Rabbit Fest pageant, across the United States.
Wendy Sledd, pageant director, had high praise for the lineup, most of whom are under the age of 18. The awards were given for the royalty's second quarter of service since winning their titles in May.
Requirements to receive the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award include completing 26-49 hours of volunteer service for children under the age of 10, up to 50-74 hours of service for ages 11-15, 100-174 hours of volunteer service for ages 16-25, and 175-249 hours of community service for adults aged 26 and older.
Requirements to receive the Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award include completing 50-74 hours of volunteer service for children under the age of 10, 75-99 hours of service for ages 11-15, 175-249 hours of community service for ages 16-25, and 250-499 hours of community service for adults 26 and older.
Those who received the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award included
Azaire Barrett, Little Mister Rabbit Fest
Ashley Baty, Miss Rabbit Fest
Those who received the Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award included:
Lilith Banks, Baby Miss
Mexia Hopkins, Miniature Miss
E'Koa Palemene, Miniature Mister
Kadence Coombs, Wee Little Miss
Dorianna Gilbert, Little Miss
Gabriella Ortiz, Junior Miss
Reicher Hooten, Junior Mister
Camryn Brown, Pre-Teen Miss
Carleigh Ross, Young Miss
Edith Natividad, Senior Ms.