Paul Nicholson Honored For Work With Kids and Teens
(Eureka, CA) - Thirty-three-year State Farm Agent Paul Nicholson has been named co-winner of the 2010-2011 State Farm Volunteer of the Year for California. Nicholson was selected as the recipient for Northern California for his decade of service in helping young children learn how to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies, as well as for his recent work with Eureka High School and their Project Ignition programs.
Nicholson’s concern with children and their knowledge of the 9-1-1 process developed through a frightening personal experience. Nicholson suffered an injury after falling from a cement truck and he was taken to the hospital. His then five-year old son informed him he did not know what to do in an emergency. Six months later, Nicholson saw a 9-1-1 simulator at a Red Cross event sponsored by State Farm. He and five other agents purchased the simulator. Over the last decade Nicholson has developed and presented his 9-1-1 program to countless elementary schools throughout Humboldt County.
Nicholson was also recently nationally recognized for his 9-1-1 involvement when he was named one of 11 honorees from across from the U.S. by the 9-1-1 Institute in Washington DC. While in the nation’s capital he was recognized by Congressman Mike Thompson for his work with such an important program.
Teen driving safety is also a focus of Paul’s community work. Paul has supported Eureka High School and their nationally recognized efforts with State Farm’s Project Ignition program. The program is designed to have teens talking with other teens about the importance of being focused behind the wheel and how drinking and driving is a sure path to tragedy. Nicholson has traveled with students and teachers to two national conferences in Nashville and Atlanta to support their involvement in keeping teens safe while driving an automobile.
As Northern California Volunteer of the Year for State Farm, Nicholson is receiving a copy of the book, “Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul,” from State Farm Chairman and CEO Ed Rust Jr. Nicholson has also named the non-profit organization, Court Appointed Special Advocates to receive a $500 grant in his name.
Lonny Haskins, State Farm Insurance Public Affairs (707) 588-6241.
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and more than 67,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - almost 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.
