B.J. Prescott, a Shorewood High School senior, has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a Certificate of Excellence from The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program that honors youth volunteers nationwide for outstanding volunteer service.
The program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), grants Certificates of Excellence to the top 10 percent of all applicants in each state.
B.J.’s volunteer work is showcased through his participation in Youth Rising Up (YRU), an organization at Shorewood High School committed to racial inclusion and combating racism in Shorewood School District. For the past two years. B.J. has served as the Vice President of YRU and plans to continue in this position until he graduates in June 2019. He chooses to volunteer for YRU because he truly believes in the mission and is dedicated to helping make positive changes in Shorewood.
“My mother is my greatest inspiration,” says B.J. “She’s fearless when it comes to standing up for what’s right and she’ll defend [any cause] she feels is worthy and righteous…I want to be involved in causes that make a difference. The most memorable part of this experience so far has been watching my fellow students—black, white, brown or other—come together for a common cause: rooting out racism.”
“We are extremely proud of B.J. and the recognition he has received is very well-deserved,” says SHS Principal Tim Kenney. “He serves as a great example for his peers and we hope his passion for service will continue to inspire others to volunteer for organizations that they truly believe in.”
Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county H-4 organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Affiliates of Points of Light’s HandsOn Network. These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting Certificates of Excellence, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth.
“Across the U.S., young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” says Prudential CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer too.”