Times-Journal Writer

At first glance, Susanne Wilkerson seems like an average teenager. There is a quiet determination, however, hidden behind her shy smile.

“I have been doing volunteer work at the church since I was in the fourth grade,” said Wilkerson.

She has not stopped volunteering since.

The Morgan Academy senior received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her considerable volunteer efforts.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award provides recognition to Americans of all ages who volunteer significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.

The award was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Wilkerson simply said that she was “very honored to win the award.”

“All of these extraordinary young people exemplify the spirit of community that is so important to the future of our cities, towns and neighborhoods,” said Art Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, “By honoring them, we hope to not only give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also to inspire others to follow their example.”

Wilkerson, the daughter of David and Susan Wilkerson, wants to be a social worker. She said she was inspired by her former youth minister.

“She got me involved in sign language,” said Wilkerson. “I started volunteering at the Children’s Home and I loved it. I wanted to do it for the rest of my life.”

She has already planned how she will accomplish this dream.

“I intend to do two years at Wallace and then transfer to Troy University,” said Wilkerson. “I want to major in social work and minor in communication with the hearing impaired.

I then want to get my Master’s degree in Social Work.”

Wilkerson interned for over 100 hours at the United Methodist Children’s Home in the babies’ cottage. “I did anything that they needed done,” she said.

The other 306 hours were spent volunteering at her church, Ocmulgee Baptist. “I organized a Christmas dinner theater, and helped with car washes and other church activities,”said Wilkerson. “I pretty much did anything.”

“We have never had a student who achieved over 400 hours of volunteer work,” said Dr. Christopher deBuzna, Morgan Academy headmaster. “I joked with her that she should sell other students some of her hours.”

“We are always very proud of all of our students and their contributions to the community,”said Sheryl Schroeder, Morgan Academy Guidance Counselor.

“But Susanne has gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

Applications for the program were distributed to all public and private middle and high schools, Girl Scouts, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross Chapters, YMCA’s, Fire USA councils, and Volunteer Centers last September.