Two Clarion University students, Tessa Magagnotti and Deb Matthews, are the recipients of 2008 Ross A. McGinnis Memorial Service Awards.

Tessa Magagnotti

Magagnotti was the Honor Service Award recipient, receiving $1,500, and Matthew was the Silver Service Award recipient, receiving $1,250. Both will be officially honored during the Ross A. McGinnis Memorial Service Award Recipient Reception on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps Alumn Room, 420 Main St., Knox.

W. Barnett Knorr, president, Keystone SMILES Board of Directors, and Joyce Fosdick, executive director of Keystone SMILES, presented the awards to the students during one of their classes on campus. The award recognizes volunteer service.

The classroom awards were made on December 4, the date marking the second anniversary of McGinnis' death while on duty with the U.S. Army in Iraq. McGinnis threw himself on top of a grenade thrown into his vehicle to save his friends.

The heroic and unselfish act of Ross McGinnis has touched the lives of many people in Clarion County and neighboring communities. Ross' patriotism and sacrifice earned him The Medal of Honor, a Purple Heart, and a Silver Star for Valor. Another tribute to his valor occurred on Dec. 13, 2006, when a Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps Alumni chose to contribute to Ross' legacy, which can now live on through other service focused deeds of individuals. The Alumni's donation of $5,000 established the beginning of a memorial endowment fund. The first McGinnis Scholarships were awarded in December 2007.

Magagnotti, a sophomore special education major, is a daughter of Janna Magagnotti of New Bethlehem, and is a graduate of Redbank Valley High School.

Matthews, a freshman secondary education/social studies major, resides in Knox with her husband, Tim. She is a daughter of John and Joyce Hunsberger of Knox and

Deb Matthews

is a graduate of Keystone High School.

Requirements for the these awards include: demonstrating participation in and accurately documenting an outstanding service project or activity addressing human needs, environment, public safety or education, which benefited an individual or group; attending or currently attending a high school or post secondary school located in Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Butler, Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, or Clearfield county, with a minimum grade point average of 2.75; and completing an award application and resume documenting education, work experience and other community service contributions.

Keystone SMILES provides AmeriCorps volunteers to local school districts. AmeriCorps members provide on site assistance to children based on the needs that are identified by the districts. The Center's role is to coordinate recruitment and placement for segments of the AmeriCorps volunteers and to provide the delivery of training modules to the membership, which includes undergraduate and graduate level courses in Service Learning.

Keystone SMILES serves 15 school districts and 11 community organizations throughout seven counties and provides technical assistance, training, welfare to work and educational support programs throughout Western Pennsylvania. Keystone SMILES is dedicated to strengthening communities and sharing resources to provide people of all ages opportunity to put "learning into action" through service experiences. It represents making a difference while promoting the values of community, responsibility, and opportunity.

Other programs and services offered through the Keystone SMILES Community Learning Center include: school readiness, alternative education programs, safe kids programs, service learning projects, youth mentoring services, after school tutoring, training and teambuilding opportunities, puppet shows and other children's activities, and community service events.

Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.