Frisco, Texas, July 29, 2007 - Frisco 15-year-old Kristin Walker knows volunteering within in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County Frisco branch allows her "to get back what you give" when it comes to helping other kids in her community. But she never thought 'getting back' would get this big!

Ms. Walker's 144 hours of community service through the BGCCC Frisco branch's Titan Keystone Club, Go Girls Go, and SMART Girls programs has earned her the prestigious Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award and a trip to the All-Star Game and week's activities in San Francisco, CA, June 10, 2007. Frisco Branch Director Debra Sweezer will accompany Ms. Walker on the trip.

The Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award program is the latest addition in the decade long relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), "the official charity of Major League Baseball," and the MLB. The Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award recognizes BGCA Club members for their participation and achievement in sports, fitness and social recreation programming. Youth honored through the program range in ages 10 through 18 who demonstrate MLB S.T.A.R. characteristics; Sportsmanship, Team spirit, Achievement and Responsibility.

Each of the more than 1,300 BGCA clubs across the country (4,400 branches) selects one outstanding youth who best embodies all of these characteristics. This special youth receives a MLB S.T.A.R. trophy and becomes eligible for state, regional and national competitions.

"Kristin is one of hardest working young ladies I have had the pleasure of working with," Sweezer said. "She strives to be the best at everything she does, is very caring and always willing to support others. A long-time member, she truly represents what the Club is all about."

Ms. Walker joins a prestigious group of only 5 other youth - winners of 5 BGCA regions plus one overseas military site representative - across the country. These 6 youth are selected as regional winners and invited to attend the All-Star Game and All-Star Week events including meeting Baseball Commissioner Allen H. "Bud" Selig. From the 6 regional winners, a national winner will be selected to receive the grand prize; an invitation to attend a MLB World Series game in October, 2007 where they will be recognized for their achievements.

"I really didn't think it could ever happen," Ms.Walker said of becoming a regional finalist. "It is mind-blowing and hard to believe that this is really happening to me."

Ms. Walker, an honor student at Centennial High School, volunteers 12 hours a month (144 hours per year) in leadership, sports, fitness, and recreation programs through the BGCCC Frisco branch. Along with coaching softball and volleyball teams there, she serves as ambassador of the Go Girls Go program, where she strives to get young girls involved in any sport activity she can. She also works closely with SMART Girls, a program that teaches health, fitness, prevention/education, and self esteem to girls ages 10-15, and the Titan Keystone Club, a service organization honored in March with a National Programming Award by the BGCA for its outstanding achievements in service projects throughout the community. And if that is not enough to keep here schedule full, Ms. Walker enjoys playing soccer and running track and cross country school and city leagues.

Ms. Walker encourages other teens to give back as well through community service organizations like the BGCCC, and extends a bit of advise on choosing the best area/organization for them to volunteer with:

"Stick with the things that you love. I believe what goes around, comes around and there is no harm in giving a helping hand."