Eighth-grade student Lauren Pisano from Oldfield Middle School has recently been selected as the school’s annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award winner. The Prudential Spirit of Community Award program is the largest youth recognition program based primarily on community service. It honors middle and high school students for outstanding service at the local, state and national level.
To apply, Pisano completed an application process and submitted a 750-word essay detailing her volunteer work. The school reviewed her application and selected her as an honoree to continue on for state-level judging. Pisano will find out in February if she qualifies to be a finalist, as only one middle school and high school student from New York can be deemed a state honoree. Those students who continue on, have the chance to receive cash rewards, a trip to Washington D.C. for national recognition events and a $5,000 grant from the Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of their choice.
Pisano decided to apply to the program after hearing about it from a friend. As an active member of her church, she’s dedicated more than 500 hours to helping others. Pisano volunteers daily at the church food pantry, which helps feed 75 families, and recently took part in coordinating the church’s holiday giving tree, which provides items to less fortunate families during the holiday season. She also participates in Project Hope, making sandwiches to feed the homeless every month and is involved in Respite, a club that works with those with special needs.
“I really enjoy giving back,” said Pisano. “I get excited when I get to help others and I always look to do more.”
In addition to volunteering, Pisano is highly involved in the school community. She is an active member of the soccer and track team and is a chorus and orchestra student. Pisano is also a member of the Student Recognition Club, which spotlights students that are doing the right thing and are excellent examples of the school’s character trait of the month.
“We could not have chosen a more deserving student,” said guidance counselor Jennifer McCaffrey. “We are very excited for her.”
Photo Captions:
1) Oldfield Middle School student Lauren Pisano has been selected to represent the school in the annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award program.
2) Guidance Counselors Dahlia Roemer (left), Jennifer McCaffrey (middle right) and Mary Fagan (right) with Prudential Spirit of Community Award winner at Oldfield Middle School, Lauren Pisano (middle left).
Photos courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District
