PASCACK VALLEY—Congratulations to Matthew Carlin, a sophomore at Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, who recently was honored with the Gold Level President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding commitment to community service.
The award, administered by AmeriCorps and presented by Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 80 in Park Ridge, recognizes individuals whose volunteer work makes a positive impact and inspires others to take action.
The prestigious award includes a certificate of achievement, a medal, and a congratulatory letter from President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
A Legacy of Service
Carlin’s volunteer work spans a variety of impactful initiatives, Pascack Press has learned:
- Tri-Boro Food Pantry Campaign: Carlin spearheaded a public awareness campaign to highlight the ongoing need for personal care item donations. He led multiple collection drives to benefit the pantry, ensuring local families in need had access to essential items.
- Trail Maintenance in West Virginia: In June, Carlin joined fellow Scouts at the Summit Bechtel Reserve Scout Camp in Glen Jean, West Virginia, to build and maintain trails in the camp and the nearby New River Gorge National River area. Their work ensures the trails will remain safe and accessible for future generations, with durability expected for the next 100 years.
- Environmental Cleanups: Carlin participated in three cleanup projects sponsored by Bergen County Clean Communities. These included two cleanups at Electric Lake in Park Ridge, organized by Troop 80, and a cleanup of Emerson Woods, hosted by the Emerson High School Environmental & Sustainability Club.
Carlin, a resident of Pearl River, N.Y., is the son of Brian and Kristina Carlin. He is an Eagle Scout with Troop 80 and a member of the Order of the Arrow (OA), Scouting’s National Honor Society, which recognizes Scouts who exemplify the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
At Saint Joseph Regional High School, Carlin is a dedicated student-athlete, competing in fall cross country, winter track, and spring track.
About the Award
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a national honor that celebrates individuals and groups who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service. The program aims to inspire recipients to continue their work while motivating others to contribute to their communities.