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Youth

Massachusetts Students Honored for Outstanding Acts of Volunteerism

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

State Honorees Julie Sargent, 17, and Taylor Leong, 12, were recognized for their selfless efforts in serving their communities. Julie has worked tirelessly to publicize the need for adoptions and raise money for foster children, while Taylor has collected over 3,600 toys for children in hospitals and shelters. These young volunteers demonstrate a remarkable capacity for giving and reaching out to those in need, serving as role models for their peers and the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Julie Sargent, a senior at Tahanto Regional High School, has served as spokesperson for her father's adoption agency for four years, creating her own program to raise money for foster children and place them in permanent homes.
  • Taylor Leong, a sixth-grader at Blanchard Middle School, has collected over 3,600 toys for children in hospitals and shelters through her annual holiday toy drive.
  • Taylor's toy drive was inspired by her best friend, Erika, who died of cancer, and she continues to collect and distribute gifts to honor Erika's memory.
  • Ten of the State Honorees will be named National Honorees and will receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, and grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit organizations.
  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program has recognized over 95,000 young volunteers nationwide since its inception in 1995.
  • Winners are selected based on personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact, and personal growth, and receive awards, medallions, and grants.

Statistics:

  • Over 5,000 Local Honorees were reviewed by an independent judging panel, with State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists selected based on the criteria mentioned above.
  • The program distributed President's Volunteer Service Awards to over 2,800 of its Local Honorees nationwide.
  • Prudential Financial, Inc. operates in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with a diverse workforce committed to helping customers grow and protect their wealth.
  • The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has existed since 1916 and serves as the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals.

Sources:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
  • Prudential Financial, Inc.

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