From staff reports

Maricopa Monitor

July 16, 2010

MARICOPA - Having grown enough food to help feed 85 families, local 12-year-old Austen Pearce has earned even more recognition for his deeds, this time with a scholarship from Kohl’s Department Stores.

Pearce was one of 200 volunteers nationwide, and one of five from the greater Phoenix area, to receive $1,000 in scholarship money for helping make a positive contribution in their community.

“These kids are doing remarkable work to benefit their local communities,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “As we celebrate the 10th annual Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, now more than ever, we feel privileged to be in a position to help support the continued education of deserving kids across the country who are making a real difference in the lives of others.”

Winners of regional scholarship have a chance to win one of ten national scholarships, which provides the winner $10,000, as well as a $1,000 donation from Kohl’s to the non-profit organization of the winner’s choice.

Pearce, who attends Desert Wind Middle School, has received a number of awards and recognitions for spearheading the community garden that has provided approximately 12,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables to the food bank since its inception last year.

He was named one of the top 10 youth volunteers of the year at the 15th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in May.