White House Honors ISLA with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards

ISLA recently received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for their efforts in advancing professional lifesaving development to areas in need around the world.

“This is another chance to get the issue of global drowning in front of our world’s leaders.” Said ISLA Co-Founder/President, Henry Reyes “Most people don’t realize the HUNDREDS of hours it takes to operate ISLA. ISLA is still a 100% volunteer based organization! Not only are our most senior staff members volunteering their time… they’re still paying all their own travel expenses for their trips!”

The PVSA recognizes United States citizens who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a national award created by the White House. The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

Co-founder/Director Olin Patterson, also said, “I’m excited to see ISLA and its incredible volunteer force be recognized on such a prestigious level, and more importantly, excited about the bright future to come!”

Co-Founder and President of ISLA, Henry Reyes and ISLA’s Vice President of Operations, Will Koon, received Gold awards for accumulating over 500 hours of service. Olin Patterson, Director/Co-founder of ISLA, along with Raquel Lizarraga, ISLA’s Vice President for Development, both were awarded Silver for their over 400 hours of service, and ISLA’s IT Manager, Michael Lopez received Bronze for his over 100 hours in the past 12 months.

Check out ISLA’s press interview with the Orange County Register!
Read the official Press Release