Mia Gordon, a graduate student in the Community Counseling program, has been recognized for her service and commitment to help improve the lives of young people .Gordon was one of two volunteers with the Faulkner County Juvenile Court to be named a "MLK Drum Majors for Service.” “MLK Drum Majors for Service” are volunteers who perform extraordinary acts of service, but who seldom receive recognition.

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 been a volunteer probation officer for 16 months. They young women look up to her and feel comfortable sharing information and events with her. She planned and worked with another volunteer to conduct an ACT Prep Class for teens who are planning to attend college.

Gordon was presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award her service during a special presentation held Jan. 20. Judge Rhonda Wood, the 20th District Circuit Judge for Faulkner County, presented Gordon the award and a letter from President Obama. Judge Wood nominated Gordon for the national award.

Court officials described Gordon as "a luminary for the young people with whom she works and is very deserving of the MLK Drum Major Award." Last year, she volunteered more than 300 hours to the court .Gordon has gone above and beyond to help the young women, Judge Woods said.“She has really been amazing,” she said.

Gordon plans to continue her work with youth after completing her master’s degree.“This is kind of overwhelming,” Gordon said about the award. “This is something that I really enjoy doing.”

• The UCA Department of Psychology & Counseling will host the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students in April. All psychology students involved in research should plan to present their research.

• The Department of Psychology & Counseling has an Assistant Professor tenure-track position available in School Psychology. Click here for more details.