(NAPSA)—For their extraordi- nary efforts in serving others through volunteerism, 10 middle and high school students from across the country have been named America’s top youth volun- teers for 2007. Two of the teens raised huge amounts of money to combat dia- betes and neurological diseases, while two others conducted ambi- tious fundraising campaigns to benefit orphans in Africa and China. Other projects that earned Prudential Spirit of Community Awards included: e Starting a soccer league for America’s top youth volunteers make a difference—both in their communities and around the world. special-needs children; Developing a way to remove a controversial chemical from trict of Columbia to Washington with their parents to be recog- the graves of veterans; e Writing advice booklets for foster kids; and e Installing a handicapped- lated by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manningat a gala dinner reception at the Smithso- drinking water; Making cement markers for accessible fishing dock at a local lake. Another National Honoree raised money to buy bulletproof vests for police dogs after leading an effort to overturn a law that had prohibited such activity. Ranging in age from 13 to 18, the National Honorees were nized for their outstanding acts of community service. All 102 recipients were personally congratu- nian’s National Museum of Natural History. “These outstanding young role models have demonstrated a level of compassion, dedication and achievement that is truly excep- tional,” said Arthur F. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “We are proud to give them the recognition they so selected on the basis of their per- richly deserve, and hope that their impact and personal growth. Each people to become actively involved sonal initiative, creativity, effort, received a personal award of $5,000, an engraved gold medal- lion, a crystal trophy for the school or organization that nominated him/her and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for charities of his/her choice. The awards ceremony was part of a four-day celebration that brought the top two youth volunteers from each state and the Dis- example will inspire other young in their own communities.” Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, The Pru- dential Spirit of Community Awards were created to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. For more information about the awards and this year’s honorees, visit www.prudential.com/spirit.
