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1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov Office of the Mayor News Release Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer Office: (360) 363-8086 Cell: (425) 754-3641 Email: [EMAIL REDACTED] Jan. 11, 2012 Mayor honors student as Volunteer of the Month for community involvement, advocacy on behalf of disabled MARYSVILLE – Mayor Jon Nehring is proud to announce Preston Dwoskin as community Volunteer of the Month for December for the students’ community involvement and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, and the deaf and hard of hearing. “Preston is highly deserving of this recognition,” said Mayor Jon Nehring at the Jan. 9 City Council meeting where Dwoskin, 20, was honored in front of family members and friends. “While Preston lives with severe hearing loss, he has not let his disability define him. “He aspires to be a leader, and through his activities advocating on behalf of people with disabilities, and actions that demonstrate his passion for building a sense of community spirit, he is already displaying that leadership.” His nominator, Instructor Jim Strickland, first met Dwoskin in 2006 when he was a student at Totem Middle School. He was enrolled in the Marysville School District’s Life Skills Program, and graduated from the program in 2010. He is now a student in the 18-21 Transition Opportunities Program, a work-based learning program funded by the district for students ages 18-21 with developmental disabilities. The program provides practical, real world work skills by putting students in volunteer or paid jobs with partnering local businesses and agencies. Dwoskin has assisted with various community service projects, helped coach youth baseball teams as a huge fan of the sport, and he has served as announcer for the YMCA’s 360 break- dancing competition. Dwoskin is interested in politics and public speaking (which he has done at the podium at City Council meetings more than once), building relationships in the community to improve the lives of others, cultivating natural leaders who can then go out and inspire effective partnerships between community groups on projects that benefit the community, and serving as an advocate for people with disabilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov He has been participating in the Arc of Snohomish County’s Leadership Training Program, which culminated in a trip to Olympia last month for Legislative Advocacy Workshops. Nehring said Dwoskin got to put his advocacy skills to the test, including preparing statements on issues important to people with disabilities.