A high school senior who is barely old enough to join the military, is no stranger to the Phoenix VA.
She among a select number of youth who have already logged 500 volunteer hours there. Glenda Soto, a senior at Bourgade Catholic High School was named its youth volunteer last year.
Soto’s patriotism will soon earn her another title: Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society scholarship recipient. The organization will present it to Soto and six other youth April 9 during its Patriotic Gala at the Doubletree Resort in Scottsdale. The celebration honors non-military individuals and private institutions whose actions have contributed significantly to the benefit and well-being of the U.S. military, veterans and their families.
Other political leaders, an Arizona business and a private individual will also be recognized.
“We will honor so many deserving individuals who are prime examples of carrying out our daily mission of preserving and perpetuating our military traditions,” AVHOFS President Gene H. Rafanelli said in a statement. “I am most proud to present our scholarship awards to seven exemplary students and veterans clearly dedicated to patriotism and our community.”
Soto has volunteered at VA healthcare facilities since 2013. Her dedication is unsurpassed, the veterans society said and Soto is willing to accept any assignment.
Soto is an exemplary Bourgade Catholic student too. She is the vice president of her school’s National Honor Society, plays both the guitar and clarinet, and is a leading member of other high school clubs and community groups. She plans to pursue health sciences at the University of Dallas.
This year marks the 10th annual Patriotic Gala. It has become an anticipated event that attracts service men and women, retired military, political, business, civic and philanthropic leaders from around the state to honor leaders who are a voice for those who serve our nation. Event proceeds fund scholarships and a wide variety of veteran projects of both a national and a local scope.
