Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Teens Making a Difference in Their Community

Justin Churchman

As a parent, you strive to raise your children right and you teach them the value of giving.  Throughout the country and the world there are so many opportunities for youth to get involved in and help others. Over the past 16 years, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to nearly 100,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and many other volunteer activities. 

The search is now on to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 17th year!

In honor of this school year’s application period, I had the chance to interview one of last year’s High School National Honorees, Justin Churchman.  Here is what Justin tells us about his experience and why he encourages more teens to get involved with this year’s awards program:

• What has being part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards meant to you?

Being surrounded by other community volunteers for several days was amazing! It give me an opportunity to share ideas, problems and concerns with other volunteers my age. It is inspirational and affirming, at the same time, to see what other teens are doing around the world and to realize that you are making an important contribution as well.

As a national winner, the experience has been incredible. When you look at the resumes of the teens from throughout the country, you see that kids are not letting anything hold them back - not age, gender, where they live, money and sometimes, adults! We are the generation who will be leading this country and programs like Prudential are making it clear that giving back to the community HAS to be a number one priority.

Application forms for the 2011 Prudential awards are available now online at www.prudential.com/community/spirit and the deadline is Nov. 1. I hope you will encourage your readers to apply!

• What is the number one reason you would encourage your peers to get involved?

The world is not going to be a better place if we don’t get involved. People don’t have to go to Mexico and build a house or to India and build a well. They can look in their neighborhoods for a senior citizen who can’t mow their grass anymore. They can walk down the street to a school where kids are working hard to learn to read and spend an hour helping. They can organize trash clean ups or clothing drives. And if everyone would just spend an hour or two, unselfishly being there for another person, they would be amazed at the changes inside them - and they will be back.

• Has this experience brought about new opportunities for you?

Being a Prudential winner introduced me to some of the most amazing teens in the country. I’ve met super achievers who are passionate about changing the world and I’ve met regular kids who are passionate about improving a specific part of their city. It has created networks where I can find support - both financial and physical - and a place I can turn to if I need motivation. I have also gotten some support for my favorite project, building houses in Mexico, at www.casasporcristo.org, and through my new online site https://www.giveback.org/pages/MyGiveBack/MyCauseIntro.aspx

• How did you go about selecting a volunteer project?

I built my first house when I was 12 by joining a school-sponsored project. I knew that was going to be my passion, so I just made sure I stayed involved with Casas por Cristo, the organization building them. In the early years it was tough, fund raising and organizing and convincing adults I could do the job, but now that I have proven myself it is easier. As for other projects, I just look around. Really, every community has the same needs. There is always trash to be picked up or families in need of food and clothing. There are always younger kids who need an older kid to hang out with or to help them with homework. I just see a need and do my best to find a solution.

• Why do you feel volunteering should be a part of every teen’s daily life?

I think every teen should be volunteering because we are the next generation of leaders. We learn what we need to in school to get a career and we learn from our families about relationships. We learn from spending time in the community what it takes to grow a community strong and how to find solutions to social problems. Of course, it makes you happy to volunteer, and it rewards you like nothing else can.

As Justin mentions, the search is now on to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 17th year! 

Get out there and get involved by visiting the official website at http://spirit.prudential.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spiritawards.

Prom Time: Donating Dresses - Becca's Closet

Donate a dress today!

"Little things can make a big difference....."


This was the phrase that served as the driving force behind the beautiful life and caring actions of 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman. Becca, a cheerleader, honor student, and caring young woman, passed away in a tragic automobile accident on August 20, 2003. Today, her family and friends not only remember Becca for her great love and friendship, but also for her contributions to the community.
As prom is almost here for many students of Broward and Dade County, an organization, Becca's Closet, has been very busy collecting prom dresses for young girls that would otherwise not have an opportunity to have one.

Becca's Closet mission:
Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman and the project she started. Becca's Closet provides formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming. Our mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. In Becca's memory, scholarships are awarded to deserving high school students to advance their education.

Speaking to Channel 7 WSVN, Kirtman's father, Jake Kirtman, urged the South Florida community to donate. "If you wore your prom dress one time or twice, you know, and it's currently in style or the latest style and fashion and gently worn, please come out to Florida National College and make a donation, and we would really appreciate it," he said.

Are you in South Florida and need a dress?  Click here.
Do you have a dress to donate?  Click here.
Do you want to start a chapter in your area?  Click here.

Little things can make a big difference, especially when the community gets involved.  Pay it forward today and don't forget to hug your child and simply say those three words. "I love you."

Learn more about Becca's Closet.

Must watch video of Becca's Closet.
 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Nominate a volunteer today!

Wouldn’t you agree that it should be every parent’s mission to teach their children about the positive impact volunteering can have on the world? If you just shook your head yes, then let’s speak further! Get involved with the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards to encourage your community to support the 102 youth volunteer Honorees for the 2011 season.


What is The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, exactly? Created 16 years ago, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represent the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

The program recognizes young heroes who have made exceptional impacts on the lives of others through acts of volunteerism. Each year, two honorees from each state receive $1,000 dollars, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for several days of national recognition events. Support from parents, family, friends and communities show the young heroes are being cheered on and recognized.  It is truly inspiring!

While in D.C., ten students will be named National Honorees on May 2nd, receiving an additional $5,000, gold medallions, trophies, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for a charitable organization of their choice.

Do you want to become part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards family?  There are a few ways you to do so:

1. Find your hometown hero here and then show support by sharing their volunteer project and story with your family and blog readers.

2. Visit The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Facebook Page this month and tell us what great volunteer project you and your family plan to do this spring. You can also tweet about your plans using hashtag #spiritawards.

3. Share the LIVE webcast event with your readers this coming April and urge them to watch with their family.  I can add you to “The Prudential Spirit of Community Blogging Family” and send you the official webcast link as the awards ceremony gets closer!

More information can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com.

Sue Scheff: Youths and Teens Rewarded for Volunteerism

The 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community National Award Ceremony Webcast

Monday, May 3, 2010 12:45 PM Eastern

As a parent, it’s important to teach children about the great impact volunteering can have on our communities. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is to encourage you and to support our 102 youth volunteer honorees for 2010 for their outstanding accomplishments.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created 15 years ago to recognize young heroes who have made exceptional impacts on the lives of others through acts of volunteerism. Again this year, two honorees from each state will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for several days of national recognition events. And ten of these students will be named National Honorees on May 3, receiving an additional $5,000, gold medallions, trophies, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for a charitable organization of their choice.


The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards constitute the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 15 years, the program has honored more than 90,000 young volunteers at the local, state, and national level.

To watch the event – click here to register.

Sue Scheff: Students Offering Support, Inc.

SOS means a lot of things to different people, however in South Florida, SOS is Students Offering Support which is a non-profit organization designed to bring a positive impact into our community through charitable causes and much more.

Recently SOS sponsored "Bowling Against Bullies" to help the Josie Ratley family with their major medical expenses from the tragic incident that happened last week. 8th grader Josie Lou Ratley was a victim of what some are calling, text rage. She is currently in a medically induced coma at Broward General Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

"Violence is not the answer," said Laura Sanchez Slik (pictured in slideshow), President a non-profit youth organization (SOS) sponsoring the event. "We're doing bowling against bullies. It was an idea that we thought of [to fight] teen violence. Teens helping teens - that's what we want to show."


"We just want to get it out there to all kids our age. It's not the way to go - violence is not the answer to everything," said Ryan Zighelboim, another organizer. - CBS4

Read more and watch slideshow - click here.

Sue Scheff: Teens Helping Hurting Teens - To Save A Life

TO SAVE A LIFE is now in over 400 screens in theaters nationwide. To Save A Life is a powerful Indie movie about the real-life challenges of teens and their choices. But it's more than just a movie-it's a feature-length film with follow-up opportunities like a youth group curriculum and a teen devotional centered around the biblical concept that we're never more like a Higher Power than when we are reaching out to the hurting and lonely. Watch trailer below.

At some point, every teen has to decide: "What's my life going to be about?" To Save A Life dares to bring that question into their world, encouraging them to answer it with boldness and honesty.

ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE

An all-star athlete and his girlfriend find their lives spinning out of control when Jake loses a childhood friend. Help comes when he reaches out to others who are hurting, and he realizes some people are just dying to be heard.

The movie asks...

• How far would you go?
• How much would you risk?
• How hard would you fight...TO SAVE A LIFE

To Save A Life has also created a website for resources for parents. Teen depression is very real. Parents need to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms.

There are several symptoms of teen depression. Among them are:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Losing interest in social and extracurricular activities
• Displaying a lack of energy, Feeling tired most of the time
• Anxiety, Irritability, Anger,Feelings of sadness for much of the time
• Significant weight fluctuations
• Sleep pattern changes
• Physical pains and aches, or sickness, even though there is nothing physically wrong
• Indifference about the future
• Uncharacteristic pessimism,Guilty feelings
• Lowering self-esteem
• Suicidal thoughts

There are two main types of teen depression. These include:

• Major depression: This type of teen depression is of short duration, although it is quite severe. It is possible to have a bout of severe depression, feel fine for a few months (or even years), and then have another bout. For teens, though, even one bout of severe depression can feel as though it will never end and prompt a suicide attempt.
• Dysthymia: Dysthymia lasts much longer than major depression, and the feelings are not as severe. Some teens have this low level depression plague them for years without having it diagnosed. This type of depression can also lead to teen suicide if the teenager becomes discouraged with never feeling happy.

Another type of teen depression has to do with life changes. It is called adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and it can be the result of the death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a different town, or even changing schools. This, too, can lead to teen suicide if the teenager feels hopeless, and that the feeling will never end.

This film helps educate parents, teachers, and others that work with today's teenagers as well as will bring an awareness to teens and allowing them to know that we do care. Growing up today is not easy; Peer pressure, drug abuse, gangs, trends, sex and more is what many kids are facing on a daily basis.

Currently To Save a Life is playing at Regal Cypress Creek Station 16 in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information and theaters near you, visit http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/tickets/ .

Watch the trailer. Be an educated parent - you will have safer and healthier teens. Read more on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: Teens that Inspire

Being a Parent Advocate offers me an opportunity to meet not only parents, but also amazing teens.

With my organization, Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), we are in contact with parents that are struggling with their teenager. Whether it is failing school, defiance, disrespectful, running away (sneaking out), using drugs and/or alcohol as well as other negative behaviors, parents are at their wit’s end.

Teens that inspire need to be recognized. I am listing a few that I have personally been in contact with and believe that parents will be amazed at what teenagers can accomplish. Some of these teens have taken a negative situation in their life and turned it around to help others. Then we have a 12 year old wonder boy! Take time to visit these websites and learn how one teen can change the lives of thousands.

Cati Cares– Cati is an amazing 16 year old that has created awareness and a crusade to help STOP bullying and cyberbullying. As a victim herself in the 6th grade, she has turned her unpleasant and hurtful experience into a campaign to help other teens. Her website offers Internet safety tips, Cyberbully Prevention and much more. Join her movement today! Follow Cati on Twitter at @wwwCatiCarescom

Joni Poole – When you think of a survivor, think of Joni. On August 22, 2007, Joni was raped and sexually assaulted. She was only 16 at the time. Since this horrific assault, Joni found the strength to fight back legally and found justice. From here, Joni could have moved on with life and attempted to put this time behind her. Instead, she created Sexual Assault Abuse and Rape Awareness (S.A.A.R.A.) Joni is now a voice to be heard and fighting for victims of sexual abuse. Join Joni on Facebook and MySpace. Help her to help others.

Danielle Herb –At 15 years old, Danielle has accomplished more than many adults do in a lifetime. Danielle created a program for ADHD/Autistic children with her expertise in horsemanship. Drop Your Reins is becoming nationally recognized, and Danielle is the driving force. As an ADHD child herself, she truly relates to the children and inspires them to overcome their fears. Learn more about this unbelievable teen at Drop Your Reins and follow her on Twitter at @DanielleHerb.

Lane S. – He is our 12 year wonder boy who is an incredible source of information and has a maturity that will blow you away! He owns, operates and writes for his website – http://www.kidcriticusa.com/– where he gives you insights through “kid’s point of view”. When I found out he was only 12, I was shocked. Be sure to follow him on Twitter at @KidCriticUSA and I am sure you will see what I and many others have realized, Lane is going places!

Krysten Moore – Grace, dignity, integrity, and beauty, both inside and out. Krysten is one of the Bullying Prevention Spokespersons for Love Our Children USA. At 17 years old, she was Miss Teen New Jersey International 2007. When I meet her, I was in awe of her. As a sophomore in college now, she is still active in helping others fight bullying and cyberbullying. In my latest book, Google Bomb, on page 198, you can read about Krysten’s experiences in school and how she was teased and bullied. She took action, took her life back and continues to be a voice against bullying.

For more info: Please take the time to visit each of these amazing teens websites. Send them an email of support and follow them on Twitter!

Also posted on The Examiner.com

Sue Scheff: Locks of Love - Get your Teens involved

Summer is coming - if your child is considering cutting their hair - make it worth something. There is not a better feeling than giving to those in need, especially with an organization such as Locks of Love. See if your child is a good candidate to help out other kids that need their generosity of love.

WHAT IS LOCKS OF LOVE?

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.