Andrew, a high school student in Tualatin, has completed the Oregon State Parks Youth Service Award. We award this certificate and pin to youths between the ages of 8-18 who complete 25 hours of volunteer service for a state park. Andrew has the distinction of being the first in Oregon to receive this honor.

Andrew completed his volunteer service at Tryon Creek State Natural Area in southwest Portland. He initially got interested in volunteering after working on a trail maintenance project in the fall of 1999. Andrew worked hard to move gravel to a trail that was in disrepair. Even the hard work and chilly autumn day did not discourage him. Andrew returned several times to help repair other sections of trail, pull ivy, and work for the Friends of Tryon Creek at the nature center front desk.

Andrew was especially suited for the front desk. His outgoing personality and infectious smile were a perfect combination to greet the public, answer phones, and "talk up" the park. The highlight of Andrew's service was preparing for Tyron's 30-year anniversary. Andrew helped prepare several wall-sized murals for display. The murals depicting the development of the park, and the volunteers who helped make it happen, gave Andrew a connection to the many volunteers who came before him.

Andrew has shown the remarkable ability to fit in to any new situation around him. By giving his time and himself to volunteer for the people of Oregon, Andrew has shown that he has the qualities of initiative and generosity. These qualities, and his commitment, make him a special person, and a great Youth Service Award winner.