Future NMSU Aggie receives national service award from President Obama

Date: 03/26/2015 Writer: Angela Simental, 575-646-6861, ongola@nmsu.edu Facebook Icon Facebook Twitter Icon Twitter LinkedIn Icon LinkedIn Google+ Icon Google+ Pinterest Icon Pinterest Email Dallas Pompeo, a future New Mexico State University Aggie, was nominated by her colleagues at the Hidalgo County Cooperative Extension Service office, and is the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Dallas Pompeo, a future New Mexico State University aggie, was nominated by her colleagues at the Hidalgo County Cooperative Extension Service office, and is the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. (Courtesy photo) The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. She will receive the award in recognition of her volunteer service. “I have been a member of the Cotton City 4-H Club and Hidalgo County 4-H Program since I was 5 years old, and I have worked on many community service activities such as Adopt-A-Highway program, the Annual Columbus Electric Meeting meal preparation and serving, Sunshine Haven nursing home projects, big brother/big sister mentoring program, junior soccer league coach, the Hidalgo County Fairground cleanup, the Middle Animas Cemetery cleanup, among many more community service projects,” Pompeo said. “I try to do whatever I can to help out the community and show that I care about our local community and its members. I am very honored and blessed to have received this award.” Pompeo, who has been taking dual credit classes through NMSU for the past two years, was accepted and plans to start at NMSU in the fall of 2015. She will be will be majoring in agriculture and Extension education with a minor in animal science “Dallas really is everything a 4-H member should be. She has grown up through the program and has taken on some of the most challenging leadership roles,” said John R. Allen, Hidalgo County 4-H Agent. “Dallas has led the Cotton City 4-H Club and the Hidalgo County Council in many volunteering endeavors. The 4-H program is an excellent youth-driven organization that centers on volunteer work and whenever a community need arises you can count on Dallas to not only give her time and energy, but to recruit and facilitate other youth volunteers to get the job done.” The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service. “The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.” “When I found out, I was smiling ear-to-ear. This meant that my dedication and commitment to my community was being recognized,” Pompeo added. “I do not do the work for recognition by no means but it does feel good to know that my work is appreciated!”