Twenty-one students (shown above) at Marquette Catholic High School in Alton were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for commitment to volunteer service.

ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School has teamed with the White House to become a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the award was created by President George W. Bush to give presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12 months. Marquette students must have completed a minimum of 100 service hours in the 12-month period to be eligible for this award.

"We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award," said Paula Mattix-Wand, campus minister at Marquette Catholic. "These student volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as a school and as good citizens. The award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives."

Marquette students who received this award are:

Bronze Award: David Wickenhauser, Courtney Hayes, Kenny Lenhardt, Andy Schranck, Angie Vantrease, JT File, Kari Shipley, Stephanee Hughes, Sarah Neil, Kelsey Machens, Sarah Tassinari, Lauren Wetzstein, Stephen Ditman, Courtney Barton, Brittany Hayes, Zach Eggering and Mary Pat Miller.

The Silver Award: Chris Kratschmer.

The Gold Award: Zach Ziino, Cody Taylor and Jake Rose.