America's Most Outstanding Youth Volunteers Honored by Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Strategic Insights -

The 102 State Honorees, two from each state and the District of Columbia, were named by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for exemplary acts of volunteerism. These outstanding youth volunteers conducted volunteer activities to address needs in foreign countries, especially in Africa and Latin America, and in their own communities, collecting food, clothing, and other essential items for those in need. The honorees will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for national recognition events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program has recognized over 90,000 young volunteers since its inception in 1995.
  • 102 State Honorees, two from each state and the District of Columbia, were named for their exceptional volunteer work.
  • 20 percent of the State Honorees conducted volunteer activities to address needs in foreign countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America.
  • The honorees traveled to volunteer at orphanages, built schools, created libraries, and taught impoverished children.
  • Many honorees raised money to finance critical needs, such as school tuitions, refugee relief, and AIDS medications, in desperate communities around the world.
  • The program's judges recognized 234 students nationwide as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities.
  • Each Distinguished Finalist will receive an engraved bronze medallion.
  • Nearly 5,000 Local Honorees were reviewed by an independent judging panel, which selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact, and personal growth.
  • The program has a strong national and international presence, with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
  • Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) conducts the program.
  • The 102 State Honorees will tour the capital's landmarks, attend a gala awards ceremony, and visit their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
  • 10 National Honorees will be named on May 3, and will receive an additional $5,000 award, gold medallions, crystal trophies, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation.

Statistics:

  • Over 90,000 young volunteers have been honored by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards since its inception in 1995.
  • 102 State Honorees will receive $1,000 each, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
  • 234 students were recognized as Distinguished Finalists.
  • Nearly 5,000 Local Honorees were reviewed by the judging panel.
  • 20 percent of the State Honorees conducted volunteer activities in foreign countries.
  • 10 National Honorees will be named on May 3, and will receive an additional $5,000 award and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation.
  • The program will distribute President's Volunteer Service Awards to over 2,800 Local Honorees this year.

Sources:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
  • Prudential Financial, Inc.
  • John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial
  • Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.