By Julie Tyrrell - Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory

HOLLYWOOD � Robert Raynor, a senior at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President�s Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama.

Robert earned his award by completing nearly 550 hours of community service at St. Stephen Parish in Miramar. Robert�s volunteer activities involved assisting at numerous church retreats and fundraisers, leading the youth group, and regularly serving as a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and altar server.

�Father Jonathan Closner-Benavides got me involved at St. Stephen�s,� said Robert. �He helped me realize the benefit of helping without expecting something in return.�

�At Chaminade-Madonna, students must complete 20 hours of community service each year,� said Gloria Ramos, principal. �Robert certainly went above and beyond the required number of hours. He is a true example of our motto, �Toward a Better World�.�