****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

May 1, 2008

For More Information, contact: Kelley Winters, Volunteer Coordinator, SCI Americorps Member kwinters@scidorchester.org, 617-822-8297

(Dorchester, MA)

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 27th-May 3rd), SCI Dorchester will be recognizing those individuals who have helped increase social capital and civic engagement in Dorchester at the 3rd Annual Model Citizens Awards Ceremony on Friday May 2nd, 6:30 p.m. at The Historic Great Hall in Codman Square. This year we will be honoring seven individuals for their exemplary service and commitment to their community. In addition, we are pleased to have Ron Bell, Director of the Office of Civic Engagement, as the special guest speaker for the ceremony.

Model Citizens is an annual award that celebrates volunteers who have contributed their time and talents to their community. An individual or organization nominates each Model Citizen and a review committee consisting of community volunteers then chooses the award recipients. The 2008 Model Citizens Awards recipients include: Dynell Andrews-Blake, Byron Beaman, Marion Bowden, Jamarhl Crawford, Vivian Girard, Arlene Lopes, and Jeff Smith.

In addition to recognizing the award recipients, SCI Dorchester will be acknowledging all community volunteers by providing an official certificate of appreciation when they arrive to the event. SCI Dorchester encourages all organizations to show gratitude to their volunteers during National Volunteer Week.

For more information about the Model Citizens Awards Ceremony please contact Kelley Winters at 617-822-8297 or kwinters@scidorchester.org.