Two volunteers with the Faulkner County Juvenile Court have been recognized for their service and commitment to help improve the lives of young people.
Neil Rutman, an associate professor of piano, and UCA graduate student Mia Gordon have been named “MLK Drum Majors for Service.” “MLK Drum Majors for Service” are volunteers who perform extraordinary acts of service, but who seldom receive recognition.
Rutman and Gordon were recently presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for their service. Judge Rhonda Wood, the 20th District Circuit Judge for Faulkner County, presented Rutman and Gordon the award and a letter from President Obama. Judge Wood nominated both for the award.
The presentations were made Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 during two ceremonies at the University of Central Arkansas campus.
Rutman and Gordon dedicated more than 300 hours last year working with the youth.
Rutman serves as a role model and mentor for young males who are in the court system. He organized a boxing club for youth more than a year ago.
“I’m very honored and surprised,” Rutman said after receiving the award. “The county asked me to organize a boxing club because I’m the coach for the university boxing club, so I did. We started out with three [members] and we ended up with 12.”
Rutman has made a tremendous impact on the youth through his dedication and caring, said Judge Wood.
“He is an incredibly humble and giving person,” she added.
Gordon facilitates the court’s Teen Girls Book Club. She also supervises the court’s tutoring program. She most recently coordinated and conducted a workshop on dating and domestic violence.
Gordon has gone above and beyond to help the girls, Judge Wood said.
“She has really been amazing,” she said.
Gordon plans to continue her work with youth after completing her master’s degree in community counseling.
“This is kind of overwhelming,” Gordon said about the award. “This is something that I really enjoy doing.”