WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has begun its 21^th annual search for Maine’s top youth volunteers. The program, which recognizes two students from each state who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service, will be soliciting applications from Maine students in grades 5-12 via middle and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, and affiliates of HandsOn Network. Students who are interested in applying or those seeking more information are encouraged to visit: http://spirit.prudential.com. The application deadline is November 3, 2015.

“The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been recognizing the hard work and dedication of Maine’s young volunteers for more than twenty years,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “Maine has a strong tradition of community service and civic engagement, and we encourage all interested students to apply for this award and the chance to represent Maine next spring during the events in Washington.” 

Maine's top middle level and high school youth volunteers for 2016 will be announced on February 9, 2016 and will be brought to Washington from April 30-May 3 for four days of special recognition events, along with the top two applicants from every other state and the District of Columbia. Winners from Maine last year included Megan Charest of Falmouth and Kevin Ayotte of Madawaska who were honored in Washington, D.C. for their outstanding community service.

Established in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has grown into the nation’s largest youth recognition program based entirely on community service.

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