Mar 20, 2016 4 min read

Despite the noble efforts of those who perform community service, their volunteerism can go unrecognized by those not directly involved.

Some organizations, however, are committed to changing that.

One of them is Prudential, a Fortune 500 financial holding company that recently recognized Trinity High School junior Sadie Presto as a distinguished finalist for Prudential’s Spirit of Community Awards.

Presto received the award from a Prudential representative, along with Trinity Principal Thomas Samosky, during a ceremony in the high school auditorium. She was very appreciative as she was joined by a group of her close friends and teachers. Presto was one of just 336 students nationwide and one of only 10 in Pennsylvania to receive the distinction.

During the past several years, Presto has helped to raise more than $24,000 for the American Cancer Society through her Relay for Life team by organizing several different events.

In addition, she volunteers at the Greater Washington County Food Bank and the American Legion, and is a member of the Trinity Leadership Committee, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Student Council.

“I’m very active in the Washington community, and I believe that strongly helped in making me a standout candidate,” Presto said. “I’ve been a part of the American Cancer Society for about six years. I help with events like Bowling for Life, Relay for Life, holiday gift wrapping and Cupcakes for a Cure.

“Plus, I am also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion, and I volunteer there every Thursday night to help out in the kitchen. Additionally, I have a strong love for animals, and am currently planning to start a foundation to help feed animals in need.”

The Spirit of Community Awards were created in 1995, and for the past 21 years, Prudential has worked hard to recognize students for their “outstanding services to others at the local, state and national level, and also to inspire other students to become more involved in volunteer work in their community.” Since the inception of the Spirit of Community Awards, Prudential has recognized more than 115,000 students.

To qualify, students must submit an application that includes a description of their community service activity and/or their leadership in a group activity. The application also must be certified by a principal and/or the leader of an officially designated local organization.

“During the summer, I found a multitude of scholarships and awards to apply to,” Presto said. “I know that everybody wants to apply for scholarships during their senior year, but I wanted to get a head start and start getting my résumé ready and start saving up for college early.

“When I heard about the Prudential Spirit of Community service awards, I thought I might have a chance from being very active in the community. I was very happy to be recognized and help my local community at the same time.”

Presto’s altruistic efforts have been noticed and appreciated by her peers as well, and seem not only to have impressed her classmates, but also have inspired them.

“I’m extremely proud of her. She is truly deserving of this award,” junior Jacob Spencer said. “For as long as I’ve known her, she has been extremely active in the community, and has done everything from volunteering at the American Legion to fundraising for the American Cancer Society. If anyone deserves this honor, it’s Sadie.”

Presto’s recognition not only is a testament to her willingness to help others, but also her dedication to bettering herself while making others’ lives better in the process.

Brandon Wolfe is co-editor-in-chief/news editor of Trinity High School’s student newspaper, The Hiller.