(Posted October 7, 2002)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Jessica Patton, a sophomore at Juniata College studying French and international communication and the daughter of Anita M. Patton of Tyrone, Pa., was named a Bonner Leader by Juniata College, to honor a commitment to perform 900 hours of community service over the next two years as the co-director of a local tutoring program.

Patton is serving as the co-coordinator of Language in Motion, a program where students at area schools are introduced to languages and cultures from around the world. Language in Motion is an innovative cooperative outreach program using study abroad returnees, international students, and upper-level language students to aid rural public school teachers by creating and presenting language and culture activities in French, German, Russian, and Spanish classrooms. Students ranging from kindergarten to twelfth grade in area schools are able to participate in this program.

The Bonner Leaders program is a partnership of the Bonner Foundation of Princeton, N.J.; AMERICORPS; and the Office of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs at Juniata College. Through this program, fourteen students will perform 900 hours of community service over a two-year period. Bonner Leaders serve in a non-profit agency, helping to coordinate programs and recruit volunteers, for two consecutive academic years, and have the opportunity to participate in a summer internship during their term of service.

In addition to performing direct services, the Bonner Leaders benefit from leadership training and are mentored by faculty and AMERICORPS members. Depending on eligibility, most Bonner Leaders are paid through the Federal Work-Study program; and upon completion of their 900 hours of service, they receive an AMERICORPS Education Award of $2,362.50.

Patton is also active in the Conversation Partner Program, the Prisoner Pen Pal Program, and the French Club. She plans to study abroad in Strasbourg, France during the 2003-2004 academic year.

Patton is a 2000 graduate of Tyrone Area High School.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.