Because of her exemplary volunteer service, Molly Setzekorn, a sophomore at Reitz High School, has been awarded with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama.
Setzekorn, who started her first campaign when she was only six, was nominated for the national honor by Reitz High School as another way to recognize her for all her hard work and contribution over the years.
According to Setzekorn, she heard a radio commercial when she was just six years old about an organization wanting to give Christmas gifts to children who had been sexually or physically abused. Since she didn’t have any money, she decided to ask for money instead of presents for her birthday and then donated that money to the organization. That was more than 10 years ago and Setzekorn’s volunteer service is still going strong.
“The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,†said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.â€
Prudential Spirit of Community Award applications were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and HandsOn Network affiliates. These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards on behalf of President Barack Obama, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.
