Haley Reimbold, a candidate for graduation from Hamilton College later this month, has been awarded the national Huntington Public Service Award. The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $10,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world.

Applicants were required to develop a proposal for public service in this country or abroad. The proposal could encompass any activity that furthers the public good. It can be undertaken by the applicant alone or by working through established charitable, religious, educational, governmental or other public service organizations. Reimbold's proposal was for The Underground Cafe, a new teen center in Utica that she was instrumental in creating.

According to her proposal, "The space will not only provide high school students from various social groups with the opportunity to associate in a relaxed, engaging environment, but college students, professors, and local community leaders will also convene at the Café with the intention of engaging in meaningful, insightful conversations with local populations. The six local colleges are an incredibly underutilized resource in Utica—The Underground Café will create mutually beneficial partnerships with these institutions and provide youth with exposure to college students and faculty."

In 2005 Reimbold was awarded a $25,000 Target All-Around Scholarship for her outstanding commitment to volunteerism. In 2004 she was honored with the $50,000 "Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference" in New Jersey.