NEWARK, NJ, February 9, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Griffin Thompson, 17, de Boiling Springs and Marley McLaurin, 11, of Surfside beach today they were appointed South Carolina the best young volunteers of 2021 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the largest youth recognition program in America based exclusively on volunteer service.
As state honorees, Griffin and Marley will each receive $ 2,500 scholarship, a silver medallion and an invitation to the program’s virtual national recognition celebration in April, where 10 of the state’s 102 honorees will be named America’s best young volunteers of the year. These 10 national honorees will win an additional $ 5,000 scholarship, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy by the indicated organization and a $ 5,000 grant to a non-profit charity of your choice.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, held annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Directors (NASSP), honors students in grades 5-12 for making significant contributions to their communities through voluntary service.
“We created the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards 26 years ago to highlight and support the work of young people facing the challenges of a changing world – a mission that sounds more true than ever, given the events of last year,” he said. Charles Lowrey, President and CEO of Prudential. “We are proud to celebrate the vision and determination of the 2021 Community Spirit Class, and all the ways in which they are making their communities safer, healthier and more just places to live.”
These are South Carolina best young volunteers of 2021:
High School State Honoree: Griffin Thompson
Nominated by Boiling Springs High School
Griffin, a senior student at Boiling Springs High School, founded a nonprofit organization called “Lil Lifesaverz” dedicated to improving public health and youth literacy in his community and across the community. South Carolina, through instructional health curricula, CPR / first aid training and free health exams. “I am passionate about public health in my community,” said Griffin. This passion led him to volunteer at a free medical clinic, where he witnessed inequalities in American health. “I saw people of all ages, lifestyles and cultural groups whose needs were not being met by the traditional health care system,” he said.
Griffin started researching public health issues and, after recruiting two teachers and a public health professional as mentors, he developed a health literacy curriculum for young people at risk for teenagers. He then established a 501 (c) 3 organization and wrote another COVID-19 prevention curriculum, which was shared with all public school districts in South Carolina. As his initiative gained momentum, Griffin built a website and started preparing promotional materials, raising money and attracting volunteers and partner organizations to help you teach CPR and first aid to children and conduct free health checkups in underserved areas. He is now planning a health fair for spring 2021 that will address the specific needs and interests of diverse communities.
Mid-level state honoree: Marley McLaurin
Nominated by the Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success
Marley, a sixth grader at the Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success, founded a service club that raised more than $ 42,000 and recruited 100 children for more than 20 service projects benefiting local and national charities over the past three years. “My mom always said, ‘If you find a need, meet a need,'” said Marley, “then I grew up looking for ways to help others.” When she realized that her schoolmates were unfamiliar with volunteering, Marley decided to form a club that could connect children with community service opportunities in their area. But when she found out that most charities and community groups did not want help from children, Marley decided to organize her own projects.
The first was a food collection campaign to fill backpacks for children from families with food insecurity. In subsequent projects, Marley led other youths to collect leftover Halloween candy for troops abroad, creating an anti-bullying contest and assembly for local schools and hosting a fashion show and clothing campaign to benefit children in foster homes. She also undertook projects to raise funds for families struggling with medical bills and to provide supplies for animal shelters. “I am determined to crush the mindset that children are not capable of more than hosting lemonade stands and proving that children with big hearts can do great things,” said Marley.
State Honorees in the Community Prudential Spirit Award Class of 2021 – the best mid and high level volunteer from all 50 states and District of Colombia – were selected for service initiatives completed, at least in part, between the fall of 2019 and the fall of 2020. The selection was based on criteria that include impact, effort, initiative and personal growth demonstrated throughout the project. Several Distinguished Finalists and runners-up were also selected in each state, and all qualified candidates received the President’s Voluntary Service Awards.
“It speaks volumes about the character of today’s high school students that the Spirit of the Community program heard from more than 21,000 applicants this fall – most of them stories of young volunteers overcoming the difficulties of a global pandemic to support those in need,” he said. Ronn Nozoe, CEO, NASSP. “While we are especially proud to celebrate this year’s 102 honorees, NASSP applauds all students who found a way to volunteer last year. You inspire your colleagues and adults to remember that even in times of crisis, we all have something to give.”
To read the names and stories of all this year’s honorees, visit http://spirit.prudential.com.
About Prudential Financial
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a leader in financial well-being and a principal active global investment manager, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make life better by creating financial opportunities for more people. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, experience and innovation for over a century. For more information, visit news.prudential.com.
About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Directors (NASSP) is the primary organization and voice for principals and other school leaders in the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the realization of each student’s potential depends on great leaders in all schools committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP manages the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, the National Elementary Honor Society and the National Student Council. Learn more at http://nassp.org.
SOURCE Prudential Financial, Inc.
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