Presidential Volunteer Service Awards
The Hazleton Integration Project held its annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony on May 3, 2025 at the HIP Center, Hazleton.
The Greater Hazleton Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the City of Hazleton, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Junior Leadership and the Hazleton Integration Project.
This year’s student volunteers consisted of 45 students from several local schools including Hazleton Area High School, Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, Hazleton Area Career Center, MMI Preparatory School, Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities, Hazleton Area Cyber Academy and Charis Academy.
Bob Curry, founding president of HIP, said “This was the most dedicated group of students volunteering in their community. The collective number of hours, more than 7,000, is amazing. The fact that they agreed to volunteer in social justice areas of community service is also praiseworthy.”
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Students served as mentors in the HIP After School Scholars program and summer camp. They volunteered in HIP’s Food Insecurity program. Students volunteered at The Women’s Shelter, Nursing homes, as volunteer firefighters and at many faith-based projects.
Student remarks were made by Hiboni Balbuena Marte, vice-president of HIP Corp United.
The students who achieved Gold status in recognition of 250-plus hours of service include: Abigail Ryu, Angel Diaz, Briana Romero, Eliesel Lazala Gomez, Georgia Washko, Hiboni Balbuena Marte, Jareivy Elich Santiago, Kandenlis Sophia Jacquez, Mariannyi Brache Minaya, Marielmy Nicole Utate Gutierrez, Muneca Villar Salazar, Steven Almonte, Yeremy Espinal, Yoseni Castillo and Yosmairi Arias.
The students who achieved Silver status in recognition of 175-249 hours of service include Alejandro Chirre, Anaury Rosa, Chase Kaschak, Devin Perez, Josiah Arias, Justin Park, Lia Marie Bejaran, Luis Perdomo, Natalie Garcia, Raphael Hernandez and Yulimar De la Cruz.
The students who achieved Bronze status in recognition of 100-174 hours of service include Ana Filion, Ana Roche, Anferny Santiago, Daniel Acevedo, Edward Castillo, Elias Acevedo, Grace Garcia, Johnny Pena, Jiliana Melo, Madelyn Young, Mel Marmolejo, Nashla Alvardo, Nashley Paulino, Ruben Cruz, Ruby Reinoso, Sara Roche, Sonia Diaz, Wildalys Nicole Castro, Xavier Perez.
Each student received certifications of recognition from U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-8, Dallas Twp.; State Sen. Dave Argall, R-29, Rush Twp.; and State Rep. Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp; and certificates from the City of Hazleton and Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.