Crapo Honors Efforts To Help Children During Soda Springs Events

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will note two volunteer efforts by Idahoans to improve the lives of children both here and abroad during ceremonies on Saturday in Soda Springs. Crapo will present his Spirit of Idaho Award to four residents of Soda Springs who have worked on two different projects to improve the lives of children.

Alexis Rice and Kaycie Clark will be honored for starting a youth center in Soda Springs. The two worked to create "The Station" as a safe haven for youth activities in the former Soda Springs police station. Rice and Clark spearheaded the volunteer effort to create the center with funding help from the city of Soda Springs. More than 20 area youth visit "The Station" on average each night it is open as a safe place to hang out and enjoy activities with friends. The center offers recreation opportunities such as pool tables, and is a positive alternative to roaming city streets.

Larry and Andrea Hlavaty will be honored for their plans to help construct a new, three-room school house for children in Southeast Asia. Larry Hlavaty is a Vietnam Veteran who has decided to "give back" to residents where he once served. The former Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer will travel to Vietnam in April to help construct the schoolhouse near the Vietnam-Laos border. Hlavaty will direct the effort despite injuries which left him disabled from a mine explosion during his earlier service in Vietnam.

"The efforts to help children here and abroad exemplified by these residents of Soda Springs are a model for all of us in Idaho," noted Crapo. "The Hlavatys, Alexis and Kaycie are truly making a difference for youth by their efforts. Their leadership and volunteerism truly merit them receiving the Spirit of Idaho Award."

Crapo created the Spirit of Idaho Award as a way to recognize the everyday efforts of Idahoans who go beyond the call of duty, yet don't seek the recognition for their efforts. During his Senate service, Crapo has recognized dozens of Idahoans with his Spirit of Idaho Award.

Crapo's Spirit of Idaho Award presentations:
Saturday, March 1, 5:00 p.m., Youth Center, 109 South Main, Soda Springs