Frederick Douglass High School Scholar Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

Wardan Gilani, an eleventh-grade scholar at Frederick Douglass High School, has received one of the most prestigious volunteer awards in the country – the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Gilani was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for accumulating an impressive 5,152 service hours since starting his volunteerism efforts in sixth grade.

"I'm thrilled to congratulate Wardan Gilani for this remarkable achievement,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “His dedication exemplifies our values and inspires others to make a positive impact. Wardan's commitment underscores the importance of service in shaping the community, and we celebrate his remarkable achievement as a testament to the power of volunteerism."

Wardan Gilani founded the Frederick Douglass robotics club and is also president of his school’s Best Buddies Chapter, providing peer assistance to special education students. Gilani is also Chief of Media, Photography and Videography on “The Outlet” news team, and is an athlete on the Eagles’ soccer team.

“As an IB school we often recognize students who exemplify the IB learner profile,” said principal Dr. Daisy Nichols. “It is certainly evident that Wardan is a caring, balanced, principled and well-rounded scholar."

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation established the President's Volunteer Service Award to recognize the significant role volunteers play across the nation. They are only presented to a handful of individuals, recognizing and honoring those who make a positive impact as engaged and profoundly committed volunteers.