Junior Eric Wolfe Named a National 'Point of Light'

July 9, 2002, Greencastle, Ind. - Eric Wolfe, who begins his junior year at DePauw University this fall and is spending his summer interning at DePauw's Hartman Center for Civic Education and Leadership, has received a national commendation for his community service work. On July 1, Wolfe, who serves on the Indiana 4-H Foundation's Board of Directors, was the nation's "Daily Point of Light," an honor that is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, Knights of Columbus, and the Corporation for National Service.

"Eric has given thousands of hours of volunteer service to the 4-H program and his local community throughout his 4-H career and involvement in other service groups," the "Point of Light" proclamation reads. "He improves the lives of all the young men and women who come through anyone of the state events that he has helped to make possible. These programs that he is involved in teach leadership, citizenship, and so many other life skills to youth that may not otherwise have the chance to learn these life-long assets."

It continues, "Eric acts as a youth advocate setting an example of leadership for every other young person that he comes in contact with. He gives American youth an alternative to the many negative situations that they may become involved in." You can read the entire profile by clicking here.

Eric Wolfe, who hails from Brazil, Indiana, serves on the executive committee of DePauw Community Service. This summer, he's working with Putnam County charities and social service agencies to lay the groundwork for the coming school year's community service projects. More than 60% of DePauw students engage in volunteer community service activities through the Hartman Center, developing values that will guide them through their lives and enrich their communities and their world. You can learn more about the Hartman Center by clicking here.

[DOWNLOAD VIDEO: "Giving Back" 768KB] "I think it's pretty important for people in general to be involved so that they know what's going on in the community and what's important to the people that live in the community, and to find a way to give back," Wolfe says. Winning the award, [DOWNLOAD VIDEO: "A Contagious Spirit" 624KB] "felt good for me, but it also made me think about all the things that I've done and why I continue to do them while I'm here at DePauw. Hopefully people who find out about the award and find out about the things that I've done can see something that they can do, too."

The Points of Light Web page states, "It is through the dedicated work of volunteers that people - especially young people - are being given a chance for a brighter future. The connections they build exemplify the best in us: a sense of caring and responsibility for others, a commitment to service and a demonstration of citizenship. While their actions go largely unrecognized – volunteers are truly America's unsung heroes. The Daily Points of Light Awards are designed to honor those who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities."

Send this story to a friend. Share