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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS MINUTES March 23, 2005 Neal Kwong Youth Citizenship Award Presentation for 2004 Mayor Gehrz said the United States is a country at war, with many countrymen and women making enormous sacrifices on foreign soil. Our hearts go out to them, to their families and friends. We honor their service to this country. The unselfish service to others and to community by some of our youngest community members is what we are recognizing tonight. The City of Falcon Heights has a long tradition of encouraging meaningful volunteer service by the youth of this community. We provide a variety of ways that young people can contribute their time and talents to making this a great place to live. In March, which is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, we select a person who has made outstanding contributions and present him or her with the Neal Kwong Youth Citizenship Award. She introduced Alan Kwong, who explained the background of the award, and • Laura Kwong, who announced the recipients for 2004. Alan Kwong said that Neal was very active as a volunteer. He was 15 years old when he died while volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. Sue Gehrz contacted the Kwong family and suggested setting up an award in Neal's memory. This year, it was decided that the award will be given to individuals in two age categories: 12-15 and 16-19. Laura Kwong introduced the two winners of the Neal Kwong Award for 2004: Rachel Pike, in the 12-15 year old category; and Karl Mueller, in the 16-19 year old category, and gave a synopsis of their volunteer activities. Mayor Gehrz said the City is very proud of Rachel and Karl and values their service. This would not have happened without the inspiration and support of their families and she is glad they are in attendance this evening to be recognized. They have been wonderful role models for Rachel and Karl, who are already great role models for other young people in this community. Karl Mueller spoke briefly, saying the Neal Kwong Award was a cool thing to get. It is a neat incentive for young people. Training people when they are young, as children, is the best way to develop good citizens for our society. Mayor Gehrz introduced the three volunteer CERT trainers who had nominated Rachel and Karl for the Neal Kwong award: Kris Grangaard, Dan Johnson-Powers and Gretel Keene. • Mayor Gehrz convened the regular City Council meeting.