News Releases for March 2007
March 16, 2007
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Four North Dakota Youth Receive National Volunteer Awards
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that four young North Dakotans have been recognized as top youth volunteers by the 2007 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The nationwide program, conducted by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honors young people who have performed outstanding community service.
Prudential Financial and the NASSP selected Jacob Holm, 17, of Valley City and Brittney Humphrey, 12, of West Fargo as state honorees. They will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events in early May. Aura Lunde, 18, of Cooperstown and Devany Schulz, 17, of Davenport were named distinguished finalists for the program.
“These young leaders have shown great initiative in seeking to make their communities and our state a better place to live, and they’ve had a positive impact on the lives of others,” Hoeven said. “I applaud them for their accomplishments and extend sincere congratulations for their outstanding service.”
Holm, nominated by Maple Valley School, developed an educational program at two elementary schools to teach young students the importance of eating right, staying fit, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Nominated by Cheney Middle School, Humphrey has been active in a number of community service projects over the last two years. She started volunteering regularly when she was only 10.
Lunde was nominated by Griggs County Central School. She volunteers for the 21st Century Learning Center after-school program four days a week. Lunde tutors students, supervises recess, and assists teachers with lessons.
Schulz, a Shanley High School nominee, coordinated a drug-and-alcohol-free teen night. Through the event, Schulz educated fellow students about the effects of substance abuse.
Jerry Houn, program officer for the North Dakota State Commission on National and Community Services housed in the state Department of Commerce, said these students and others like them are serving vital roles in our communities. “These students are making a difference in their communities and we hope they serve as an inspiration to others to get involved,” Houn said.
Prudential Financial and NASSP site numerous statistics that show Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, making it vital to encourage and support the kind of selfless contributions these young people have made.
Created in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is the nation’s largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 11 years, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state, and national level. Youth in grades 5-12 are eligible for the next annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Applications for the 2008 awards, which can be downloaded at prudential.com/spirit, must be submitted the last weekday in October.
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