Linda Watts, of Leesburg, FL has been named a University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award Honoree, an award given by HandsOn Network and the University of Phoenix to 10 outstanding volunteer leaders in the nation. These leaders motivate others and are catalysts for change in their communities.

The award celebrates the first anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the largest expansion of national service in America in decades. Watts will receive $10,000 to donate to the organization of her choice.

Watts, a retired teacher, had a vision to develop a grassroots youth program that focused on linking youth with volunteer activities in their communities. In 1986, she founded Florida's Hometown USA Program, Inc, a nonprofit educational endeavor to inspire young people to better the lives of their neighbors through volunteering.

Today that vision has grown into a broad model that continues to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Watts encourages those involved in the program to believe in their power to change communities positively and measurably. Over the years, she has worked with more than 1,800 students who give their time to help others, and she continues to develop the next generation of volunteer leaders. Most important, these students go on to create their own volunteer programs and engage others in service.

As a 2010 University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award honoree, Watts believes, "If children and youth are involved in volunteering at an early age, and are taught to show love and concern for others, it will stay with them forever."

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of February 28, 2010, 458,600 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

About HandsOn Network
HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, is the largest volunteer network in the nation and includes more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers in 16 countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and nonprofit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating meaningful change in their communities. Annually, the network delivers approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at about $600 million. For more information, please visit www.HandsOnNetwork.org.

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most.

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