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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.

Nelson said she was surprised to be honored, and Louis said she was glad to be recognized.

Volunteering is important to Louis because she enjoys helping or teaching people. Her favorite memory from her service work is "having a chance to talk to an older generation and hearing about what they have experienced."P> "Volunteer work is about doing what I can to help others," Nelson said. "Helping others gives me a special kind of joy." Her favorite service work is laughing and smiling with the elementary students each day, and she plans to become a child-life specialist so she can work with kids everyday.

Louis, the daughter of Adrean and Jean Louis, tutors chemistry and trigonometry at the high school and taught Spanish to first graders. She belongs to the National Honor Society and sings in the choir and the treble pops choir.

She has earned her Silver and Gold Awards in Girl Scouts, working at Washburne Court to design an activity and volunteer calendar. She still volunteers at Washburne Court, and she has also worked at Girl Scout camps with younger scouts.

At Paynesville Evangelical Free Church, she plans meals for needy families, works in the nursery, assists at Sunday services, serves on the youth group board, teaches Vacation Bible School, provides special music, and serves on the worship team.

Next year, she hopes to attend North Dakota State University and study architecture.

Nelson, the daughter of Dave and Diane Nelson, is a kindergarten aide, is a peer helper, belongs to Students Talking About Respect, and serves as president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Last year, she volunteered on the prom committee.

She also is vice president of the student council, belongs to the National Honor Society, competes in volleyball, gymnastics, and softball, and sings in the choir.

At Paynesville Lutheran Church, she teaches Sunday School, sings with the worship band, helps with Vacation Bible School, and volunteers at nursing homes, with Habitat for Humanity, at the Ronald McDonald House, and at the Marie Sandvik Center. She also is youth secretary for the Southwest Minnesota Synod.

Next year, she plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a career as a child-life specialist.P> Seniors Amanda Bruntlett and Erica Wander were honored with Lions Service Awards in October. Four more seniors will be honored in the spring.