Meghan Miko of Hidden Valley High School with Alison Jorgensen of the Council of Community Services.

Meghan Miko of Hidden Valley High School was awarded the Outstanding Youth Volunteer of Roanoke Valley at a ceremony held on April 23 at the Friendship Retirement Community by the Council of Community Services.

Here's what Loni Beir had to say about Meghan:

"Approximately two years ago a young woman walked into our offices at the American Cancer Society and asked if we could use her help as a volunteer. Naturally we said yes. Since that day, Meghan has worked for us two afternoons a week, every week without fail. We have come to rely on her help in more ways than I care to count. There is never a task that Meghan doesn't embrace with enthusiasm. Her help, her maturity, her sense of responsibility and, finally, her positive attitude at this office has been nothing short of invaluable.

"Meghan became so engaged in what she does for us, that last year she started her own Relay For Life team. She raised $2,000 in her first year as a team captain through various fundraising events that she coordinated. She has already begun fundraising for 2009 and from what she has told us, she will be contributing quite a bit more this year.

"Meghan is a straight A student as well as a member of the Latin Club, the Key Club and the sophomore representative for the PTSO at Hidden Valley High School. Were this not enough she is also an active member of Young Life while at the same time holding a part time job. Finally, it should be noted that Meghan has worked on mission tours through her church. Last summer she travelled to Chicago helping the handicapped.

"Meghan's work ethic is obviously exceptional but it is her quiet demeanor and unfailing compassion that continues to endear her to us and all that meet her. She is a role model to the rest of us mere mortals here at ACS. For all that she does and is as a person, I feel strongly that Meghan Miko would be a natural candidate for this award."

Submitted by Loni Beir