Posted Date: 12/15/2016
Sahil Prakash, a sophomore at Paris High School, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award was established by George W. Bush to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others. The award is offered in multiple levels including bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.
Prakash received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his volunteer service through Project PEDAL ON which he founded. He realized bicycle riding was lacking in Paris and took steps to increase awareness of its benefits. He has held educational events in schools and civic organizations and he has worked with the City of Paris to increase resources for bicycle riding. Additionally, he has promoted safety. The monthly slow roll is a first of its kind ride in a town the size of Paris.
On receiving the award he stated, “I want to thank the school district for allowing me to pursue my passion. This is an honor, not only for me, but for the school as well as the whole community.”
Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, Prakash receive a personalized certificate, an official medallion and a congratulatory letter from the president of the United States.