Date:
2/9/2004
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Scarlet Smith
PORTALES—Eastern New Mexico University siblings Christina Hall and Nathan Hall recently received the Bronze Congressional Medals, presented to them by Rep. Heather Wilson. Ms. Hall was also recently named Miss Albuquerque 2004, along with winning the talent competition for her performance of "Reflection" from the Mulan sound track. The pair are the children of Steve and Linda hall of Albuquerque. This prestigious medal helps encourage and promote the development of young Americans through special accomplishments, including expedition/exploration, voluntary public service, physical fitness and personal development.
Christina, a junior, received a scholarship from the music department and will graduate in May 2005 with a major in vocal performance with a minor in political science and public relations. Christina says, "If it was not for Dr. Jean Ornellas, professor of music, I would have not have been able to sing so well at the pageant." Christina added, "Eastern is a spectacular college. I enjoy the personal attention I receive from all of my professors."
This marks her third win in the Albuquerque area. Her first title was Miss West Mesa in 2002 and second was Miss Rio Grande Valley in 2003.She has donated more than 8,000 hours to voluntary public service. One of
her platforms is Volunteerism USA Freedom Corp. She said the group's motto comes from its founders, President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush: "Themomentum of a million acts of kindness can change America one heart at a time."
Nathan Hall is majoring in psychology. "The psychology department at ENMU is excellent; I really enjoy all of my professors. My future plansare to work with helping people. I truly enjoy helping others," he says.Nathan volunteers his time for Habitat for Humanity, along with being acounselor to the Boy Scouts in Colorado during the summers and as the junior docent at New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, where he does
every thing from tours of the museum to attending to the care of the animals.
At his high school in Albuquerque, La Cueva, he donated his time as counselor to his peers. Nathan received the Presidential Freedom Scholarship at ENMU; the scholarship is based on community service, being a mentor and an inspirational citizen in the community.