The 16th Annual United States of America Presidential Volunteer Awards Program “ A New Birth of Freedom” took place on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Educational Cultural Complex located at 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, 92113. The program highlighted youth as young as 11 years old and adult volunteers from throughout San Diego County for their community service contributions.
Ms. Maxine Clark presented the Seal of the President of the U.S. and a White House Congratulatory Letter from President Obama was read by Mrs. Cynthia Gilliam, Presidential Awards Director, “The purpose of hosting the Presidential Volunteer Awards Program is to acknowledge the dedication and support that many San Diegans give to their community to improve the quality of life for all. Volunteers are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Many volunteers do not work for recognition. However, we find it very important to do so because everyone should be acknowledge for the positive and great work that they do. If we don’t celebrate them, who will?”
Isaiah Coleman stated, “I am proud to volunteer and serve my community. I enjoy giving back because is not only the right thing to do but I want to be a productive citizen. Us, youth usually are said to be lazy and stuck on social media 
and video games all day. I think given the opportunity more kids will want to become involved. The Blue Heart Foundation was recognized for serving over 1000 hrs of volunteer service. Tracy Morris founder of The Blue Heart Foundation said “I am thankful and humble to receive this recognition with so many San Diegans who are also making a positive impact in our community by volunteering. Each and ever member of our mentoring program HEART contributed to this honor.”
The Presidential Awards Program was made possible with the support and contributions of The Buffalo Soldiers, 9th & 10th Horse Calvary Association; La Diego Dance Theater, Danial Marshall; The Best Kept Secret, San Diego Chapter; Educational Cultural Complex; Dr. Anthony Beebe, Ed.D; St. Stephens’s Cathedral COGIC Mime Group, T.R.U.T.H; Lard Family; Nelicidad and Mela Pettis; Christy Figueroa Pettis; Harold J. Ballard Parent Center; Pastor Charlie and 1st Lady Maxine Clark; Pastor Kevin and 1st Lady Roberson; Mr. Michael Sanders; Waldorf School of San Diego; Principal Gary Rollins; Gompers Prep and Herbert Hoover
