Return to Archived Stories

The award is presented to members of the senior class who have demonstrated acts of service to their school and community.

Bruntlett is the daughter of Brad Bruntlett and Michelle Bruntlett of Paynesville. She was surprised to hear she had won the award.

ÒI think its important to help out the less fortunate. So I do whatever I can to help, no matter how small it may be,Ó she said.

This summer, Bruntlett and Koehn organized the vacation Bible schools at Grace United Methodist Church and Nordland Lutheran Church for their Girl Scout Gold Award projects. One of BruntlettÕs favorite memories is playing in the sandbox with the preschoolers. Money raised through the Bible school offering was donated to the elementary school to help buy school supplies for needy children.

At church, Bruntlett is a leader in youth ministry, a Sunday school teacher, takes part in puppet ministry, and helped plan the See You at the Pole rally.

At school, Bruntlett is a member of the student council, the LetterwinnerÕs Club, is a peer helper, a peer tutor, helps in a kindergarten class, is a D.A.R.E. mentor, and chaperones middle school dances. She has also played softball.

She was selected as the American Legion Auxiliary GirlÕs Stater last year.

ÒI want to thank the Lions for honoring me. IÕm very grateful,Ó said Bruntlett.

Rachel Koehn is the daughter of Ric and Barb Koehn of Paynesville. She was surprised and honored to be given the LionÕs Service Award.

ÒVolunteering helps me reach out to others. It makes me feel good to help others,Ó Koehn said.

Last summer Koehn went on a mission trip to an Indian reservation in Arizona with her church group. She came back with many memories. ÒI got to meet a lot of new people and the trip also impacted a lot of people in need,Ó she said.

Through her church, Koehn has participated in two mission trips, this summerÕs trip to Arizona and another to Kentucky in 1999. She helps out in the nursery at church, with the puppet ministry, is a youth worship service participant, and a member of the bell choir.

At school, Koehn helps raise funds for homeless shelters, is a member of Target leadership, the LetterwinnerÕs Club, and the National Honor Society. She plays percussion in the band and sings in the choir.

Koehn is a football cheerleader, the wrestling mascot, and competes in gymnastics and track.