Volunteer Liz Palmer Wins Presidential Award

Liz Palmer, a young volunteer aboard Lady Washington, has received a prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. A graduating senior at Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake, Liz was nominated for the award earlier this year by school officials. Since starting as a volunteer in August 2007 at age 16, she has completed more than 5,000 hours of community service aboard Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. Liz has served as a topman and education coordinator, and she has sailed to all major ports of the west coast, participating in educational programs for K-12 students and the general public.

School officials presented the award to Liz at a ceremony June 8 in Moses Lake. As a Gold Level award recipient, she received a gold pin, a certificate of achievement, and a letter of congratulations signed by President Barack Obama. Liz also received a letter of congratulations from Gov. Chris Gregoire and the First Gentleman. The governor and her husband met Liz during a recent visit by Lady Washington to Olympia.

Liz is pursuing a career as a shipwright and professional seafarer. She plans to attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock this fall.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award program is overseen by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation , which was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and to encourage more people to serve. The awards are a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The program is administered by the Points of Light Institute.