or ol MBM tt pret ex! yj. ay named J a pea ir on ea 7th lats, aC Aw ake plage on U0 ro Matin we a an 40 bsitan ves: On avenon trac’ A Growing Trend: Youngsters Improving Their Communities (WAPSA)—In sharp contrast to the typical stereotypes of today’s teenagers, thousands of young Americans are doing extraordinary things to make their commnunities better places to live. Among them is Kate Klinkerman, 5, of Inez, Texas. When Kate saw her dad pouring used motor oil alongside their barn—a common way to control weeds and pests on farms-—-she worried about the effect it might have on their groundwater. So she spearheaded a recycling program that now processes more than 2,000 gallons of oil and hydraulic fluid every month. Michael Kay saw a different need in his town of Wilmington, IL Growing up with a disabled brother he knew how awkwardly most people react to those who are different, and how isolated and lonely handicapped people often feel as a result. In response, the i4-year old conceived a program that is nowproviding activities and companionship for 6 handicapped group home residents through “buddy” relationships with middle and high school students. Bath are examples of students who care deeply about the needs they see around therm, and are passionately committed to addressing those needs. Fortunately, remarkahle young people like these are beginning to receive the recognition they deserve. Kate and Michael received national Prudential Spirit of Community Awards this year, the nation’s most prestigious hovor for youth volunteers. As a result, they each were presented with a $5,000 award, an engraved A unique program is giving youngsters who improve their communities the recognition they deserve, gold medallion and a crystal trophy by U.S. Senators Lincoln Chafee and Jon Corzine im Wasbington, D.C. More than 50,000 other young volunteers have been honored withlocal, state and national Pru- dential Spirit of Community Awards in the six years since the program was created by Pruden- tial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The program is now lookingfor more young people in grades 5-2 who deserve recognition for their volunteer activities. Applications are available through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councls and county 4-H organizations. They may aise be obtained at www.prudential.com or by calling 888-450-996. Applications must be submitted by October3.
