Two Iowa Youth Honored for Volunteerism at National Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C.Former First Lady Laura Bush Pays Tribute to Young Heroes as Part of Four-Day Recognition Events
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two Iowa students, Jeralyn Westercamp, 17, and Chelsey Montgomery, 14, both of Cedar Rapids, were honored in the nation’s capital last night for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The two young people – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from former First Lady Laura Bush at the 14th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Jeralyn and Chelsey were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in Iowa last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week’s recognition events.
“The young people receiving these awards genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and have accomplished so much – in their own communities and around the world,” said Mrs. Bush, who delivered the keynote address at last night’s ceremony. “I thank and congratulate them for their outstanding volunteer work. Students with this kind of commitment and leadership ability are essential to the future of our nation.”
Jeralyn, a member of the
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois and a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, formed a charitable organization that collects and purchases new household items for victims of the huge flood that inundated Cedar Rapids last year. Jeralyn and her family spent hours sandbagging when the Cedar River began rising, and then assisted with relief efforts. “When I volunteered at the food distribution center, people repeatedly remarked that they appreciated the free canned goods but they didn't even have a can opener or dishes or silverware,” said Jeralyn, who realized that this was a need she could help fill.
To publicize her idea, Jeralyn designed a color brochure, made speeches at meetings of civic organizations, and attracted the attention of local news media. Soon, Jeralyn succeeded in persuading local merchants to donate or discount products, and raised money for purchases by soliciting organizations and individuals. She also planned large fund-raising events, and even contributed her own allowance, gift, and college money to her charity. As a result, Jeralyn has been able to provide dozens of families with small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, dishes, silverware, linens, lamps, and other new housewares, as well as children’s toys. “Working together, with money and material donations, we are providing flood survivors with new beginnings, one room at a time,” said Jeralyn.
Chelsey, an eighth-grader at Prairie Middle School, actively volunteers with other members of her family to spread awareness about MPS III, a rare genetic disorder also known as Sanfilippo syndrome. Chelsey’s little brother was diagnosed with MPS after doctors puzzled over his condition for many years. “My brother Lucas is currently suffering from a rare disease that is incurable, and will take his life away by age 15,” said Chelsey.
Chelsey helps her family conduct an annual 5K walk/run and a golf tournament to raise funds for MPS research. “But I felt like that wasn’t enough,” she said, so “I took matters into my own hands.” Chelsey researched to find out as much as she could about MPS, and then began conducting presentations to educate people about the disease and encourage them to help those afflicted. At some events, Chelsey takes her brother along so people can meet him. “I am devoted to helping these children have a life and to spend the life that they have as a kid, and not locked up in a wheelchair,” said Chelsey.
“Jeralyn and Chelsey are inspiring examples of young Americans who care deeply about the needs of others and who have taken the initiative to help meet those needs,” said John R. Strangfeld, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “By honoring them, we hope not only to give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also to inspire others to follow their example.”
Nearly 20,000 young people submitted applications for the 2009 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.
Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 14 years ago by Prudential Financial, Inc. to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. Since then, the program has honored nearly 90,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.
“The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is a fabulous partnership between NASSP and Prudential, allowing us to recognize the outstanding young people in our schools and communities,” said NASSP President Larry Bradley. “This year’s honorees exemplify the true spirit of helping others and by doing so they give America and the world a promising future, a future filled with compassion and hope.”
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by the American Association of School Administrators, the National Middle School Association, the National School Boards Association, the Council of the Great City Schools,
Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, the American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, the Points of Light Institute, and other national education and service organizations.
More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at
http://spirit.prudential.com or
www.principals.org/prudential.
In existence since 1916, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. NASSP’s mission is to promote excellence in school leadership. The National Honor Society®, National Junior Honor Society®, National Elementary Honor Society™, and National Association of Student Councils® are all NASSP programs. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Va., visit
www.principals.org or call 703-860-0200.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) is a financial services leader with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping approximately 50 million individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company’s well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. For more information, visit
www.news.prudential.com.
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