(Posted November 12, 2002)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Katie O'Donnell, a sophomore at Juniata College studying Spanish and elementary education and the daughter of Glenn Byron and Mary Ellen O'Donnell of Royersford, Pa., was named a Bonner Leader by Juniata College.

The award honors a commitment to perform 900 hours of community service over the next two years as co-coordinator for BigBrothers/Big Sisters of Huntingdon County.

O'Donnell is serving as co-coordinator for Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Huntingdon County, a program where at-risk youth from the community are partnered with mentors from the college and surrounding community. As program co-coordinator for the agency, O'Donnell works to maintain paper work , recruit new members, interview potential "big sisters" and "little sisters," and works to ensure the fluidity of the program.

The Bonner Leaders program is a partnership of the Bonner Foundation of Princeton, N.J.; AMERICORPS; and the Office of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs at Juniata College. Through this program, fourteen students will perform 900 hours of community service over a two-year period. Bonner Leaders serve in a nonprofit agency, helping to coordinate programs and recruit volunteers, for two consecutive academic years, and have the opportunity to participate in a summer internship during their term of service.

In addition to performing direct services, the Bonner Leaders benefit from leadership training and are mentored by faculty and AMERICORPS members. Depending on eligibility, most Bonner Leaders are paid through the Federal Work-Study program; and upon completion of their 900 hours of service, they receive an AMERICORPS Education Award of $2,362.50.

O'Donnell is also a member of the Juniata College cross country team, and is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible study, Community Service Board, Choral Union, Spanish Club, and the Big Brothers-Big Sisters club.

O'Donnell is a 2000 graduate of Spring-Ford High School.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.