Kiwanis International opens nominations for prestigious World Service Medal

INDIANAPOLIS - Kiwanis International is accepting nominations for the 2010 World Service Medal. Kiwanis clubs, past medal recipients and organizations with the endorsement of a Kiwanis club may nominate an individual, organization, or agency that enhances the quality of life for many people in a significant way.

"We are looking for inspiring people who are changing the world," said International President Paul Palazzolo. "We recognize that one person can make a difference, and this is our way of honoring those who serve."

Colonel Gray Heppner Jr., M.D., was named Kiwanis International's 2009 World Service Medal recipient. Heppner, deputy commander of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), was honored for his critical role in the development of a promising vaccine against malaria, one of the world's most devastating diseases of children.

Dr. Heppner has played a pivotal role in the development of the world's most promising malaria vaccine called RTS,S. His team of scientists from WRAIR, working with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), carried out critical vaccine studies in Africa, Asia, Europe and the USA. With the entry of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, global efforts have broadened, resulted in the start this year of Africa-wide multi-center trials intended to license the RTS,S malaria vaccine for children.

Other honorees include Mother Teresa, who ministered to the sick, the orphaned and dying children of the world; Nancy Reagan, who battled drug abuse; and Rosalynn Carter, for her work with Every Child by Two.

Past International Presidents of Kiwanis International will select the recipient and present the medal during the Kiwanis International Convention in June 2010 in Las Vegas, NV.

Nominations are due on February 1, 2010. More information and the nomination form can be found at www.kiwanis.org/wsm.

About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  Kiwanis International and its service leadership programs for young people, including Circle K, Key Club, Key Leader, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior and Aktion Club dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually.  The Kiwanis International family comprises 600,000 adult and youth members in 70 countries and geographic areas. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org.