Friday, 25 Jun 2010 - My Fox Memphis -

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Six extraordinary Memphis Catholic High School volunteers got the chance to visit Washington D.C. as they competed for the national title for outstanding service.

The students were nominated by faculty members and considered diverse students dedicated to helping their community.

Six high school students, devoted to community service, had no idea they would be getting honored for giving back.

"These six have pretty interesting stories. They are a very unique group and really why they want to be involved," said Director of Development, Dani Ray Barton.

The Memphis Catholic students recently won a Regional Jefferson Award for Outstanding Service by a High School. This month, they were flown to Washington D.C. where they represented Memphis as they competed for the national award.

The students make an impact within their school and in Memphis through a program called Education That Works!

The program requires students to have 20 hours of community service each year, volunteering at local businesses and non-profit organizations. Six students went beyond the 20 hour requirement. For some, the motivation to help was personal.

"The big thing that keeps me motivated is because once my family did move up here from New Orleans a lot of families helped with giving us clothes and money to get on our feet so I'm really willing to help any young child figure out their calling and to help others feel how they felt when I got the help," said Chelsea Leufroy.

Memphis Catholic High School offers students, mostly those below the poverty line, a college prep education and experience in the work force . For some, the trip was their first out of Memphis.

"It was so fun, coming from Memphis, I didn't think I'd be in D.C. It was just a great experience," said Ebone Webb.

"I felt good just to be outside of Memphis and to be with different people and to hear different stories and actually see what other people have been through besides myself," said Bre'anna Jolliff.

Although Memphis Catholic did not win the national title , these students came out as the real winners as they brought service and leadership to their school and community.

"Our students are effective when they do their service process. We hear back that they really helped us," said Director Barton.

The students were excited to have the chance to be in Washington, D.C. and are determined to bring the title to Memphis next year.