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Several Raritan Valley Community College students have been recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award, a civil honor bestowed by the President of the United States. Originally established by executive order from George W. Bush, the annual award recognizes volunteers who give hundreds of hours each year helping others.

The award, given to both young adults (ages 16-25) and adults (age 26 and older), is given in three categories based on the number of completed service hours within a calendar year:

• Bronze: Young adults (100-174 hours); adults (100-249 hours)

• Silver: Young adults (175-249 hours); adults (250-499 hours)

• Gold: Young adults (250 or more hours); adults (500 or more hours)

The following RVCC students have been recognized for their service during the 2020-2021 academic year:

Gerardo Carcamo of Bound Brook (Gold): 325 hours
Focus Area: Education
Organizations Served: RVCC Enactus Team, RVCC’s Honors College, RVCC’s Honors College Peer Mentorship Program, RVCC’s RVotes Matter Campaign, RVCC’s Student Government Association

Ronald Gazaway of New Providence (Bronze): 100 hours
Focus Area: Healthy Futures
Organizations Served: Hunterdon Medical Center (Flemington), NJ Sharing Network (New Providence), RVCC’s Resource Center

Alexander Lazeration of Hillsborough (Bronze): 105 hours
Focus Area: Education
Organizations Served: The Arc of Somerset County (Manville), Bricks 4 Kidz of Hunterdon-Somerset (Central New Jersey), RVCC’s Honors College, RVCC’s Honors College Peer Mentorship Program, RVCC Supplemental/Student Instructor Program

Carmen Looi of Hillsborough (Bronze): 115 hours
Focus Area: Education
Organizations Served: The Arc of Somerset County (Manville), RVCC’s Filipino P.E.A.C.E. Club, RVCC’s Honors College, RVCC’s Student Life Activities & Planning Board

Raquel Mennella of Bridgewater (Gold): 250 hours
Focus Area: Environmental Stewardship
Organizations Served: D&R Greenway Land Trust (Princeton), Raritan Headwaters Association (Bedminster), RVCC’s Environmental Club, RVCC’s Environmental Science Department

Christine Wang of Basking Ridge (Bronze): 105 hours
Focus Area: Education
Organizations Served: Highland Regiment (Central New Jersey), Legacy Care Club (Jersey City), RVCC’s Student Life Activities & Planning Board

The President's Volunteer Service Award is a premier volunteer award, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through national recognition, honoring them for taking positive action that changes the world. Honorees receive a personalized certificate signed by the President of the United States, a letter from the President, and a medallion.

Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2021

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383