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Each year, the Paynesville Lions Club recognizes eight seniors at Paynesville Area High School for their volunteer work, both at school and in the community. Bruntlett and Wander, selected for the month of October, were the first seniors to be recognized this school year.

"I was shocked and speechless," said Wander about receiving the award, adding that she was also extremely proud.

"I was very happy," Bruntlett added. "I wasn't sure if I would get it or not, so I was very happy when I did."

Volunteering, said Wander, "is important to me because you can interact with other people in the community."

"I like to help people without getting anything back," said Bruntlett. "It's fun to help out in church or other places."

Seniors Erica Wander and Amanda Bruntlett were recognized for their community service and volunteer efforts by the Paynesville Lions Club with its Youth Service Award for October.

Bruntlett's favorite volunteer activity was teaching Bible camp at Nordland Lutheran Church. This was her favorite because of the kids. Wander's favorite volunteer activity is working as a nurse during CCD classes at St. Louis Catholic Church.

Bruntlett, the daughter of Brad Bruntlett and Michelle Bruntlett, is active at Nordland in a variety of ways. She assists at Vacation Bible School, works with Habitat for Humanity, helps create church bulletin boards, and does child care during church services. She has also attended a global mission event in Atlanta, participated in a live nativity, and is currently the president of the youth league.

Bruntlett plans to attend St. Cloud Technical College next year to pursue a career in child assistance.

Wander, the daughter of Bob and Judy Wander, mentors special needs students in the high school, participates in Future Career Consumer Leaders of America (FCCLA), and is active in Girl Scouts.

She also bakes pies for the Paynesville Community Service Center and is active in the local chapter of Minnesota Concerned Citizens for Life.

At St. Louis Catholic Church, she is a nursery worker, helps with church breakfasts, is active in youth group, works as nurse for CCD classes, and attended a mis

sion trip with the youth group. Next year, she plans to attend technical college at either Alexandria or St. Cloud.