Program honors valuable work by student volunteers

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is searching for the nation’s top student volunteers.

Students in grades 5-12 have until Nov. 7 to complete the online application showcasing their volunteer work over the past 12 months. Schools select their top youth volunteers and present them with certificates and recognize them as role models.

Schools have until Nov. 17 to pick a local honoree for the President’s Volunteer Service Award and state-level judging. One state honoree from middle school and high school will win $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip with a guardian to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events and a visit to Congress. Ten state honorees will be chosen as national honorees and awarded $5,000 as well as $5,000 for a charity of their choice.

The program, in its 23rd year, is sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary Principals.