Arlington Police Officer Barry Samples was one of eight service leaders recently honored at an annual luncheon celebrating those who work with youth.

At the First Rate Living Luncheon on April 29, eight award recipients were presented an Extra Mile Award along with a $2,000 grant for the IRS-approved nonprofit of their choice. The event was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Arlington.

For eight years, First Rate Inc. has sponsored the First Rate Living Luncheon to celebrate adults who invest their lives in the care and development of Arlington youth. The software company partners with the Arlington Alliance for Youth to give the Extra Mile Award to adults for their servant leadership. Awards are presented in professional and volunteer categories. Assistant Chief Lauretta Hill was the keynote speaker.

"To lead people is to walk behind them," she told the audience. "To be a servant leader is what you do and what's in your heart."

Officer Samples was recognized for the extra mile he goes for Arlington youth on and off campus. A School Resource Officer since 2000, Officer Samples also volunteers his time as an advisor to Explorer Post 602, a program that exposes teens age 14 to 20, to service and careers in law enforcement. He is also a mentor for youth enrolled in the Police Athletic League Camps, sponsored every summer by the Arlington Police Department.

"This is truly an honor," Officer Samples said. "If I can change the direction of one young man or woman, everything I do is well worth it."

Other 2014 Extra Mile Award honorees included Lois Bacon from the Arlington Life Shelter, Camillia Head a youth coordinator with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Betsy Holshuh a volunteer with H.O.P.E. Tutoring. Other honorees were Lee Ann Jerome, Cynthia Logan, Tommie Moon and Tia Thomas.

To learn more about the Police Explorer Program, visit www.ArlingtonPD.org and click on Police Explorers under the Get Involved section.