Program News
Application period for 2010 program begins August 10
While the 15th year of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards doesn’t officially begin until the day after Labor Day, youth volunteers will be able to get an early jump on the application process by accessing the program’s online application site as early as August 10. Like last year, applicants will be able to access the site through http://spirit.prudential.com or www.principals.org/prudential. Once an application has been completed, it will need to be printed out, signed and submitted to a school principal or the head of an officially designated local organization (a county 4-H group, Girl Scout council, American Red Cross Chapter, YMCA or affiliate of HandsOn Network). These authorized “certifiers” will then select Local Honorees and nominate for state-level judging.
A paper version of the application form can be obtained by calling 877-525-8491 toll-free. Applicants must complete their applications by November 2. State-level judging begins Nov. 10, and the results will be announced on Feb. 8, 2010. The 2010 national recognition events for the top two youth volunteers in each state and the District of Columbia are scheduled for May 1-4 in Washington.
PSA to Feature Honorees’ Homemade Videos
A new public service announcement appearing on television stations across the country this fall will feature video footage produced by three 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community honorees. Rachel Bervell of Mukilteo, Wash., Patrick Foster of Sachse, Texas, and Kennedy Jet Kulish of Lancaster, Pa., appear in the PSA explaining why volunteering is important to them. To watch the PSA, click here.
2009 National Honorees Announced
Ten of this year's 102 State Honorees were named America's top youth volunteers for 2009 on May 4 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. They were announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and American Red Cross Chair of National Volunteers Pamela Farr. The 10 National Honorees are: Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, Mass.; Jeremy Bui of Enfield, Conn.; Shardy Camargo of Orlando, Fla.; Amanda LaMunyon of Enid, Okla.; Colin Leslie of Rye, N.Y.; Morgan Mariner of Douglas, Wyo.; Melissa Monette of Mililani, Hawaii; Sean Nathan of Shreveport, La.; Shelby Romero of Hutto, Tex.; and Beatrice Thaman of Toledo, Ohio. Read about the "2009 National Honorees."
Laura Bush Delivers Keynote Address at State Awards Ceremony
Former First Lady Laura Bush delivered the keynote speech at the 14th annual State Awards ceremony on May 3 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. She told the honorees: “Each of you has already realized a priceless truth that some adults never fully understand: a life of service is a life of significance. You inspire me by your commitment and you encourage me by your example.” Mrs. Bush is widely known for her efforts over the years to promote literacy, education and childhood development. She also is a forceful advocate on women's health issues, has spoken out strongly on behalf of women’s rights in Afghanistan, and is a fervent supporter of America’s national parks.
Actor Jason Ritter Also Speaks at Awards Celebration
Actor Jason Ritter also addressed the State Honorees at the May 4 awards ceremony. Said Ritter: “The beautiful thing about each and every one of you is that it’s not enough for you to be happy and isolated. You know that others’ problems are also your problems, and that we are all in this together. You are all perfect examples of the golden rule. If everyone treated everyone else as you have treated the people around you, oh my gosh what a great world this would be.” Ritter has worked extensively with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, and is an active supporter of the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He also volunteers on behalf of Conservation International, the Rape Foundation, the Creative Coalition and many other causes ranging from heart disease to childhood cancer.
State Honorees Visit Elementary Schools in D.C.
The 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community State Honorees visited Powell and Bruce-Monroe elementary schools while in Washington, D.C., in May for the program’s national recognition events. The honorees delivered more than 2,500 books that were donated to the schools by Prudential, Laura Bush, and by many of the honorees themselves. The honorees also spent time reading to the schoolchildren and speaking to them about volunteering.
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