Source: Megan Lazzo, mlazzo@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.nscs.org/awards/scholar-promise
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-6415, bbohn@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010

K-STATE STUDENT EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HER VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO YOUTH

MANHATTAN -- Exemplary volunteer service to youth has earned a Kansas State University student the Scholar of Promise Award from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Megan Lazzo, senior in family studies and human services, Wichita, is among 29 college students nationwide earning the honor for 2009. The award, which includes a certificate and a signed letter from America's Promise, recognizes exceptional commitment to improving the community through dedication to youth-oriented service and education. Recipients were required to complete at least 50 hours of service to earn the honor.

Lazzo served as a volunteer at several organizations in Manhattan during 2009.

"One of the places I volunteered was Faith Evangelical Church nursery and day care services. I went on Wednesday and Sunday mornings and took care of the children while their parents were at the church service," she said. "During spring semester 2009, I was a teacher aide for special education children at Northview Elementary School. Here, I helped kids with their reading and writing skills, and often just sat and talked with them and acted as a mentor. Finally, during the fall 2009 semester, I volunteered at Fort Riley Elementary School, where I also was a teacher aide/mentor to children of military families."

Lazzo said she recommends volunteering to everyone because it makes you feel good about making a difference in a child's life. "It can be challenging and tiring, yet exciting and rewarding all at the same time. It gives me a sense of fulfillment that I did something with my day by being there for someone, especially a child," she said.

Along with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars at K-State, Lazzo is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the Human Ecology Council. She also belongs to Wildcats Forever, the National Scholars Honor Society and Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization. In addition, she was a member of K-State's Classy Cats dance team for two years, and served on the New Member Council of the K-State Panhellenic and Interfraternal councils for one year. Lazzo is the daughter of Mark and Mary Ann Lazzo and a 2007 graduate of Kapaun Mount Carmel High School.

The Scholar of Promise Award began when the National Society of Collegiate Scholars partnered with America's Promise to promote youth service to give society members the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and commitment to improving their communities. The society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation's only interdisciplinary honors organization to invite first- and second-year college students. Membership is by invitation only, based on grade point average and class standing.