ANNVILLE, Pa. - For its outstanding committment to community service, the ice hockey team was recognized by Lebanon Valley college president Stephen C. MacDonald with this year's President's Service Award.

The award is presented annually to a student organization "whose members have demonstrated good moral character, leadership on campus and in the community, concern for cooperative living on campus, and community service."

Last January, the team held its first ever Military Appreciation Night with money raised being donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. They raised $21,800 for the cause. This October, they held the event for a second time and brought the total up to more than $35,000.

Sargent Major David Dowling of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard was one of the community members to nominate the team for this year's award. In his recommendation, he wrote: “My experience with working with these men continues to prove that there are still young people that understand the importance of community service and contributing ones time and effort for the benefit of larger cause.

"I have had the opportunity to work with these fine young men for the local Wounded Warriors functions that support our injured service members. They have truly done an outstanding job.  Their hard work has raised thousands of dollars to support our nation's finest and sometimes forgotten”

In December, the team held its annual Sunshine Game, an event held in collaboration with the LVC track & field team to raise money for the Sunshine Fund. The fund provides scholarships to Archbishop Prendergast students in memory of former track team member Nicole Gallo.

Off the ice, members of the hockey team have also volunteered time to visit the Lebanon Veterans Hospital and to work with Habitats for Humanity. In the fall, members helped clear debris caused by heavy flooding in the Annville community.

"I am very proud of what these young men accomplished on and off the ice this season," head coach Don Parsons said. "They worked very hard on these projects, often giving up what small amount of free time they had to make a difference in our community.  The Wounded Warrior Project is very dear to their hearts. We are very proud to be able to represent LVC in such a positive manner!"

Nine other organizations were nominated this year. They are: Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Sigma Tau, Community Dutchmen, Habitat for Humanity, the LVC Physical Therapy Free Clinic, the LVC Student Council for Exceptional Children, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Tau Kappa Epsilon.