The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created in 1995 to recognize students in middle and high school grades who have demonstrated exemplary community service. These prestigious awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are presented annually on the local, state and national level.

How does the program work?
In September, application forms and instructions are sent to all U.S. middle level and high schools, and to these officially designated local organizations: Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, and member Volunteer Centers of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. Each participating school/organization collects applications from interested students/members by October 31, 2005, then selects one middle level Local Honoree for every 1,000 students or members in grades 5-8, and/or one high school Local Honoree for every 1,000 students or members in grades 9-12. From these winners, the top high school and middle level youth volunteer in each state and the District of Columbia are named State Honorees in early February. Finally, ten of these State Honorees are named America's top ten youth volunteers of the year by a distinguished national selection committee at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. in May.

What do honorees receive?

Local Honorees receive Certificates of Achievement from their schools or organizations. Those who qualify also receive the President's Volunteer Service Award, recognizing their efforts to answer the President's Call to Service.
State Honorees receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C. in May for several days of recognition events, including award ceremonies, sight-seeing tours, and Congressional visits on Capitol Hill.
Distinguished Finalists (runners-up at the state level) receive engraved bronze medallions.
Other top applicants at the state level receive Certificates of Excellence.
National Honorees receive additional $5,000 awards, engraved gold medallions, and crystal trophies for their schools or organizations. They also will receive $5,000 grants from the Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Who is eligible?
Any student who:

is in grades 5-12 as of October 31, 2005, in any state or the District of Columbia
has engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least in part after September 1, 2004
completes an application and submits it to a school principal or the head of an officially designated local organization by October 31, 2005

For more information:
www.prudential.com/spirit

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