Saco legislator honored by President Obama for service

USA National Miss Maine Princess Karleigh Smith hands Rep. Chenette the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at an anti-bullying fundraiser at Thornton Academy.

​SACO – Rep. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, has been honored by President Barack Obama with a Volunteer Service Award for his community involvement.

At an anti-bullying fundraiser Chenette emceed at Thornton Academy over the weekend, he was surprised with the gold level award signifying over 250 hours of community service completed in the last 12 months.
 
“Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise,” said President Obama in his letter to Chenette. “Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great nation.”

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The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is administered by Points of Light. The President's Volunteer Service Award celebrates the impact we can all make in bettering our communities and our world.
 
This is Chenette’s second time receiving volunteer honors from a U.S. president. Chenette previously earned the same recognition when he was a high school student from President George W. Bush, who also awarded him a top-level gold volunteer service award in 2008.
 
“Elected officials must set the gold standard for volunteering because, after all, public service should be about serving others,” said Chenette. “Imagine the impact we would have on our community, state, country and world if everyone volunteered just five hours of community service.”
 
Learn more about the President’s Volunteer Service Award by visiting www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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