Fraser Woods Student Recognized For Volunteer Service

Jeffrey McKee, a 14-year-old Fraser Woods Montessori School student and Newtown resident, was presented a President’s Volunteer Service Award for his volunteerism for the Newtown Ambulance Corps in a special ceremony on March 11.

The Volunteer Service Award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. The award was presented to Jeffrey through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Jeffrey participated in the Spirit of Community program this year as a representative for Fraser Woods.

“I hope to use the experience I’ve learned through the Ambulance Corps to continue to serve my community in a variety of ways,” said Jeffrey upon receiving his award.

As part of his volunteer work for the Ambulance Corps, Jeffrey successfully completed the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) program.

“We hope Jeffrey’s example of community service will inspire other students to do the same,” noted Fraser Woods Head of School Myriam Woods.

Ginger McKee said she was “very proud” of her son, and Ms Woods said the Fraser Woods community feels the same way.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities. More than 170,000 young people across the country have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995.

“All of these extraordinary young people exemplify the spirit of community that is so important to the future of our cities, towns and neighborhoods,” said Art Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By honoring them, we hope to not only give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also inspire others to follow their example.”

Program applications were distributed through all public and private middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, country 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, Camp Fire USA Councils, and volunteer centers last fall. After local honorees were named, state-level judges 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.

“We believe a thorough education includes many activities that occur outside the classroom,” said NASSP Executive Director Gerald Tirozzi. “We’re proud of these students because they recognize how important it is to play an active role in their communities by using their skills and talents to benefit others.”