Model High Senior Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

Model High School nominated Julia for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

“Julia is the founder and director of a program called Cyber Seniors. This is my favorite example of Julia’s commitment to service,” said Model High Senior Counselor Jenny Wear. “Cyber Seniors has made such a difference in the lives of countless senior adults who might otherwise be isolated from the world outside their living environment. Julia’s desire to connect to this generation of people who are so different from her led to this program that is now in its fourth year. Julia has built this program from the ground up, which is an amazing accomplishment for anyone – much less a high school freshman. She has continued to selflessly dedicate her time to others, and she is such a joy to be around. I’m so very proud of her! ”

In its 25th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.

“Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer, too.”

“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”

Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global Network members. These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists, and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.