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Each year, the Paynesville Lions Club recognizes seniors at Paynesville Area High School for their volunteer work, both at school and in the community. Flanders and Thompson were the first seniors to be recognized this school year.

"I was a little surprised," said Flanders, the daughter of Amy and Pat Flanders, about winning the award. "I didn't realize anybody was paying attention to the good things I do. I was honored."

Thompson, the daughter of Gail and Rick Thompson, also said she was honored to receive the award. Both said that volunteering is an important activity.

"I have been given so much in my lifetime, and I feel I owe it to our community to give something back, no matter how big or small the task," said Thompson,

Her favorite memory from her service work was going on a church mission trip to South Dakota and "seeing the underprivileged truly enjoy my help and support," she said.

Seniors Maureen Flanders and Peggy Thompson were recognized in October for their community service and volunteer efforts by the Paynesville Lions Club with its Youth Service Award.

Flanders' favorite memory from her volunteer work is the response she gets at the elementary playground when she shows up to help watch the students during recess. "I get about two seconds beforeÉgirls and boys are tugging at me literally to play," she said.

At school, Flanders is a peer tutor, a teacher's aide, and a DARE role model. She also is the president of the student council and a member of the National Honor Society, the Letterwinner's Club, DECA, and Business Professionals of America. She competes on the speech team and performs in drama productions.

Flanders is the student representative to the Paynesville Human Rights Commission and is a religion teacher at St. Louis Catholic Church.

She is undecided about her future school plans.

Thompson is a peer helper, peer tutor, and DARE role model at school. She also belongs to the student council and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Letterwinners' Club, and Business Professionals of America. She also plays basketball and competes in track and field.

At Nordland Lutheran Church, Thompson is president of the youth league, sings in the church choir, helps elderly in the church, teaches Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and does other volunteer work, including that mission trip to South Dakota.

Thompson, who also is a 4-H leader, plans to attend St. Cloud Technical College next year to study credit and finance.