Nine area teens net president’s volunteer award

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Her smile can turn someone’s day around, friends of Braden River High sophomore Annie Curry say.

Annie’s sister, Crystal, a State College of Florida student, can do the same thing with her laughter and sense of humor.

Robert Hall, of Lakewood Ranch High, is quiet, but has a gift of never giving up until he accomplishes what he has set his mind to do, family members say.

Chloe Bergeron, 14, already knows she wants to be a psychiatrist, and she listens intently.

The choice these four teens and five others in Manatee County made to share their gifts with children, seniors, animals and the needy in 2009 as American Red Cross Youth Corps volunteers has led to an award from The White House.

All nine were presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award and received signed letters and certificates during a ceremony Tuesday night at the American Red Cross office in Lakewood Ranch.

The award winners’ service projects this year included volunteering for Meals on Wheels Plus, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Magical Miniatures Animal Sanctuary, Adopt-a-Family, Ronald McDonald House and YMCA Healthy Kids Day, among others, said Debbie Tapp, Manatee Red Cross youth coordinator.

Each put in many volunteer hours despite heavy academic and activities commitments, said Patty Hall, Robert’s mother.

Hall, a Lakewood Ranch High junior and president of the Red Cross Youth Corps, led the way with 151 volunteer hours in 2009.

Hall was inspired by his sister, Stephanie, now a 21-year-old college student, who was also a President’s Award winner, Patty Hall said.

“The first summer she came home from hazmat drills, Robert decided he wanted to do it too and he did the following year,” said Patty Hall.

“I enjoy it,” Hall said when asked why he puts in so many volunteer hours while swimming and wrestling for Lakewood Ranch High. “I really liked disaster camp over the summer where we took part in simulated biohazard drills at Manatee Technical Institute.”

“Disaster camp, definitely,” Bergeron said, when asked what she loved about her volunteerism.

The presidential award winners were Andrew Mullins (136 volunteer hours), Annie Curry (110), Crystal Curry (107), Rachel Dawson (100), Chloe Bergeron (83), Mary Kate Mullins (81), Qinton Fitzgerald (78), Robert Hall (151) and Megan Smith (60).

After the White House awards, the Red Cross took over, handing out Exceptional Volunteer Awards to Annie Curry, Crystal Curry, Hall and Mullins.

“All of them are officers in the club and they have been the leaders,” Tapp said.

The Curry sisters from Parrish raise goats, dogs, sheep, chickens and mules and still find time to volunteer.

“Both of them come to every event,” Tapp said. “They help set up, clean up, lead in games and activities and are always enthusiastic.”

Annie Curry, Crystal Curry and Rachel Dawson were honored for six years of volunteer service.

Robert Hall and Brittanny McCourt have served five years.