White House honors Cerritos College employee for volunteerism

NORWALK – Raquel Lizarraga, administrative clerk for Cerritos College’s Technology division, recently received the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House. She was honored for her 400 hours of service to the nonprofit group International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA). Lizarraga, who is the vice president of Development at ISLA, received a Silver award for her service in advancing the organization’s mission to provide professional lifesaving skills and drowning prevention techniques to people in need around the world.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award was developed through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award recognizes U.S. citizens who have volunteered a specific number of hours over a 12-month period.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Obama administration for our efforts to prevent drowning,” Lizarraga said upon receiving the award.

“Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide with two people drowning every minute. When a few of us started ISLA with our first trip to Nicaragua, we had big dreams,” she said. “Now, we are seeing our dreams become a reality. Not only do we have over 200 volunteers going on multiple trips on every continent, but even the President of the United States recognizes drowning as a global issue and the importance of the work we do.”

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Published: Nov. 27, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 33