On December 27, during our Romanian Christmas and New Year Traditions event, Romanians of Washington, DC had the distinct honor of presenting two remarkable young women with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This recognition highlights their exemplary dedication to volunteerism and community service, values that are deeply cherished by our organization and the broader Romanian-American community.
Romanians of DC believes strongly in the value and importance of volunteerism. As an organization that has been certified since May 2021 to present the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award, we aim to celebrate and encourage the efforts of individuals who make a meaningful impact through service. Volunteerism is not only a cornerstone of community strength but also a vital component of America’s national identity. By recognizing outstanding volunteers, we hope to inspire others to contribute to their communities and to uphold the spirit of service.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 by President George W. Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. It honors individuals committed to a high level of volunteerism and acknowledges the essential role volunteers play in shaping a stronger, more united society. The award has continued under successive administrations and includes a medal, certificate, pin, challenge coin, and a letter signed by President Joe Biden. Through this award, we celebrate the dedication and impact of those who go above and beyond in serving others.
This year, we proudly recognized Laura Melinciuc with the 2024 Teens Silver Award and Mara Statie with the 2023 Young Adults Silver Award.

Laura Melinciuc is an outstanding student at Liberty High School in Maryland. Academically, she excels and balances her studies with a wide range of extracurricular activities. As a member of the Honors Full Orchestra, Laura plays the cello with remarkable skill, contributing to the ensemble’s rich sound. In addition to her musical achievements, Laura is a standout athlete, participating in both track and field and soccer. Her athleticism has earned her an impressive accomplishment — she has qualified for the national track and field competition twice, a testament to her hard work, discipline, and determination. Beyond her academic and athletic accomplishments, Laura gives back to her community through volunteering. She dedicates her time to a local soccer club that offers children with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities the opportunity to play soccer. Her ability to juggle academics, music, athletics, and volunteerism speaks to Laura’s strong character, time management skills, and desire to make a positive impact in the world around her.

Mara Statie is a senior at Meridian High School in Falls Church City, where she has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, as shown through her membership in the National Honor Society, as well as a passion for extracurricular activities such as sports, internships, and especially community service. Her involvement with her local police department has been one of the highlights of her high school career, where she received most of her service hours. Mara worked closely with law enforcement officials, gaining hands-on experience that will help jumpstart her career. Last winter, Mara played a key role every Sunday, baking homemade goods and helping run a stand at the Mosaic Farmers Market for her school club. Through her hard work, she helped raise funds to pack meals for the homeless, demonstrating both her dedication and compassion for the community. Mara balances her commitments by staying active through her past involvement with the cheer and swim teams and enjoying nature walks with her dad. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially at the beach, and hopes to continue making a positive impact in her community.

At Romanians of DC, we are proud to present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to members of our community who embody the values of service and dedication. This prestigious award is a symbol of national recognition, celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities and inspire others to do the same. By recognizing the achievements of Laura and Mara, we hope to shine a spotlight on the importance of volunteerism and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Together, through service, we can build a stronger and more connected community.

To nominate other deserving members of our community or to learn more about the Award, please visit: www.romaniansofdc.org/the-presidents-volunteer-service-award/