Scott City teen meets Bush during stop at Poplar Bluff

His volunteerism earned Michael Toeniskoetter of Scott City the opportunity to meet President Bush during Bush's recent visit to Poplar Bluff.

One of many answering the president's call to volunteer service, Toeniskoetter is the son of Lolita and Matthew Toeniskoetter. He is a junior at Eagle Ridge Christian School in Cape Girardeau, where he volunteers in the office and operates the scoreboards for school games.

"I received a phone call from the White House asking questions about my volunteer work and the possibility of meeting the president," said Toeniskoetter. "I had a whole big thing worked out about what I would say. But when I met the president and shook his hand, he said, 'We appreciate what you're doing for your country.' Suddenly I had forgotten all I had planned on saying."

Toeniskoetter has served in the Junior Volunteer Program at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau for three years. Over the summer he volunteers 40 to 50 hours a month at the hospital and during the school year he works once or twice a week and during holiday breaks. "It's been a real fun experience. They treat me like I'm one of them," he said.

Additionally, he teaches vacation Bible school, plays in the orchestra and voluntarily mows lawns for several elderly church members at the First Church of the Nazarene.

Toeniskoetter's father is deployed to Kuwait with the Missouri National Guard's 1140th Engineer Battalion from Cape Girardeau. Toeniskoetter said, "He was really proud to hear that I met the president." Michael's volunteer service includes involvement in the family readiness group, a support group for families with loved ones deployed overseas.

Toeniskoetter's future plans include becoming a forensic scientist, running for president and once he's out of the political arena to teach a high school marching band.

"In all the years I've volunteered I never thought I'd meet the president. If you're interested in volunteering go into it with a humble and willing spirit, otherwise don't do it," said Toeniskoetter.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133