Minnesota Department of Education Honors NYLC Communications Director, Maddy Wegner

On Wednesday, May 19 at the Minnesota State Capitol, the Minnesota Department of Education recognized four leaders in education with 2010 Outstanding Contributions to Service-Learning Awards. Maddy Wegner, National Youth Leadership Council Communications Director, received the Passion Award and was honored for her longtime commitment to the teaching and learning methodology of service-learning.

Wegner’s advocacy for service-learning and young people extends more than 25 years as a teacher, communications director, journalist, editor, and volunteer. "She is a living model of a life dedicated to service," said Donna Gillen, Executive Director of youthrive, as she introduced Wegner. As Gillen said, she has “tirelessly engaged youth and adults with a clear and compelling vision of service-learning as a broad approach to education and youth development.”

In the Capitol's Rotunda, Wegner accepted her award while extending thanks to the other recipients, "Service-learning takes more than passion. It takes persistence. It takes patience. It takes perspiration. And so while I thank you all very much for recognizing what I'm passionate about, this is for all of you, and the direct and hard work you are doing. This is for the teachers who are helping silence the question, 'Why do I have to know this stuff?'"

The recipients of this award are recognized as people who have made exceptional contributions to students and communities through service-learning, an engaged teaching and learning practice where students apply knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to make contributions to community.

Also recognized were five outstanding student projects, including groups supported by NYLC partners Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education and Barack and Michelle Obama Service-Learning Elementary in Saint Paul. NYLC Board of Directors and Youth Advisory Council members Parth Shah and Pajnucci Vue facilitated the event as emcees.

In the words of Vue the ceremony celebrated those who “truly believe in the concept of helping others while learning.” Addressing the award winners, Michelle Kamenov, Minnesota Department of Education Service-Learning Specialist said, “The future belongs to the incredible students and practitioners assembled here today. You engage students in learning that is demonstrated not only by tests, but also by the actions you take to make this world a better place.”

Wegner thanks all award winners for their efforts.