Topeka Collegiate eighth grader Haden Beardmore has received word that he is a winner of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. Haden qualified for the recognition by riding a total of 168 miles in the September, 2005 MS 150, a regional bike race organized to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Haden raised $1,250 through the generosity of friends and supporters, and was honored as the 19^th highest fundraiser in the event. The experience was his first individual volunteer effort and he hopes to be able to continue finding ways that he can use his own abilities to help others who are less able.  He learned many valuable lessons volunteering for this great event and encourages other kids to give volunteering a try and make a difference in the community.