West Virginia's Top Youth Volunteers of 2021 Selected by National Program
Molly Runner, 18, and Emily Carothers, 13, were named West Virginia's top youth volunteers of 2021 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Each will receive a $2,500 scholarship and a silver medallion. Molly organized a suicide prevention club and a mental health support group, while Emily created an organic vegetable garden to provide fresh produce for her community. This recognition highlights the impact of youth volunteerism, with over 21,000 applicants participating. The awards celebrate meaningful contributions made during the past year of challenges.
- Molly Runner and Emily Carothers recognized as top youth volunteers, enhancing community support.
- Each winner receives a $2,500 scholarship, promoting educational advancement.
- Molly's initiative addresses mental health issues, fostering awareness and support for teens.
- Emily's garden project promotes healthy eating and community engagement.
- None.
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Molly Runner, 18, of Bridgeport and Emily Carothers, 13, of Meadow Bridge today were named West Virginia's top youth volunteers of 2021 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, America's largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service.
As State Honorees, Molly and Emily will each receive a
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, conducted annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honors students in grades 5-12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.
"We created the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards 26 years ago to highlight and support the work of young people taking on the challenges of a changing world – a mission that rings truer than ever given the events of last year," said Charles Lowrey, Prudential's chairman and CEO. "We are proud to celebrate the vision and determination of Spirit of Community's Class of 2021, and all the ways they're making their communities safer, healthier and more equitable places to live."
These are West Virginia's top youth volunteers of 2021:
High School State Honoree: Molly Runner
Nominated by Bridgeport High School
Molly, a senior at Bridgeport High School, helped to organize a suicide prevention club and program at her school, and to develop a free after-school mental health support group for teenagers. Molly's first experience with suicide occurred when her uncle took his own life in 2014. Mindful of the challenges of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, she was determined to find a way to help. After sharing her thoughts with her closest friends, they obtained permission to form their school's first suicide prevention club.
As a club leader, Molly sought training to learn as much as possible about suicide prevention, and interviewed students and conducted research to set the club's agenda. In weekly club meetings, she leads discussions on topics such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, resilience and local agencies that offer support. In addition, the club partnered with a local mental health professional to develop a free after-school group counseling program for teens, and provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ and other youth dealing with difficult issues. Molly also was the key organizer of West Virginia's first mental health fair, involving more than 100 agencies and vendors from across the state. "It is difficult to describe what it feels like to save a life," said Molly. "This organization has allowed me to experience that on a regular basis."
Middle Level State Honoree: Emily Carothers
Nominated by Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council
Emily, an eighth-grader at Meadow Bridge High School, planted an organic vegetable garden on the grounds of a local library to provide fresh produce to children and families in her community. Emily loves to garden at home, and has several friends who enjoy raising flowers. After seeing a news report about community gardens, "I thought it would be great if we could work together on a project," she said.
Her first step was to find a suitable location. After the Fayette County library system offered space at the Meadow Bridge Town Library, Emily studied composting and best planting practices for organic vegetables and flowers. She then secured a grant to purchase planters, soil and seeds. Emily and fellow volunteers planted the new garden, and once the first crop was ready, hosted a "Harvest Day" for community members to come by and pick up fresh, pesticide-free vegetables. They have since added a bird feeder and a painted picnic table to the garden. Emily felt especially good about her project when a young girl, who had been a very picky eater, shocked her mother by trying some kale and announcing that she loved it. "She now enjoys visiting the garden and making her own salads," said Emily.
State Honorees in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Class of 2021 – the top middle level and high school volunteer from all 50 states and the District of Columbia – were selected for service initiatives completed, at least in part, between the fall of 2019 and the fall of 2020. Selection was based on criteria including impact, effort, initiative and the personal growth demonstrated over the course of the project. Several Distinguished Finalists and runners-up were also selected in each state, and all qualifying applicants received President's Volunteer Service Awards.
"It speaks volumes about the character of today's secondary school students that the Spirit of Community program heard from more than 21,000 applicants this fall – most of them stories of young volunteers overcoming the hardships of a global pandemic to support those in need," said Ronn Nozoe, Chief Executive Officer, NASSP. "While we're especially proud to celebrate this year's 102 State Honorees, NASSP applauds every student who's found a way to volunteer this past year. You inspire your peers and adults alike to remember that, even in times of crisis, we all have something to give."
To read the names and stories of all of this year's State Honorees, visit http://spirit.prudential.com.
About Prudential Financial
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial wellness leader and premier active global investment manager, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees help to make lives better by creating financial opportunity for more people. Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit news.prudential.com.
About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for principals and other school leaders across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student's potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. Learn more at http://nassp.org.
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