"Getting things done" is the theme of the AmeriCorps pledge, taken by volunteers each year before the beginning of the Energy Express season.

The 2009 Celebration of Service took place this afternoon at West Virginia Wesleyan College, kicking off a weekend of training before Energy Express begins on June 29th.

This year, though, they're taking the pledge - with national acclaim.

"I was just really excited about being with the kids again," said returning volunteer Kayla Hicks. "Energy Express is all about the kids and just seeing their smiling faces and seeing how much potential they have after you've helped them over the summer with their reading and writing. It's really a great experience."

Energy Express was started in 1994 as a proactive approach to the declining reading skills and nutrition levels of lower-income children over the summer.

Its efforts over the last 15 years have earned national accolades.

"Each year, we look across our network of Summer Learning programs, more than 5 thousand across the county, put out an application to see who would qualify as a high-quality summer learning program based on research," said Ron Fairchild, Executive Director of the Nation Center of Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University. "Energy Express was one of three that we selected from a total applicant pool of 80 programs from more than 27 states."

Energy Express' Director says she can barely contain her excitement.

"Oh, it's just exhilarating," said Ruthellen Phillips. "It's just so wonderful to know that we've been recognized in this way, and it really reflects on the wonderful work being done by lots and lots of people across the state of West Virginia."

"To be a part of a program that is so good like this," said Hixon. "It's a gift."

For more information on Energy Express in your area, you can call (304) 293-3855 or visit the link below.