[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 7104-7105]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD WINNERS

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I wish today to honor this year's 
Delaware

[[Page 7105]]

winners of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award in recognition of 
their exemplary volunteer service. Congratulations to Anna Schuck of 
Wilmington, Matthew Waldman of Delmar, Alexandra Browne of Wilmington, 
and Taylor Folt, also of Wilmington.
  I strongly believe that volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of 
American society. As shown on numerous occasions, volunteering is not 
only good for the community; it is an enriching and rewarding 
experience for the volunteer, as well. Anna, Matthew, Alexandra and 
Taylor all exemplify this spirit of involvement and giving back to 
their communities. They serve as models of selflessness and examples of 
how rewarding volunteering can be both personally and to the community 
they serve.
  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created by Prudential 
Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals 
to inspire and encourage youth volunteerism. Since being founded in 
1995, these awards have honored more than 80,000 young volunteers at 
the local, State and, national levels.
  Delaware winner Anna Schuck founded the H.U.G. Club, for ``Helping 
the Underprivileged Globally,'' at her school, coordinating fundraising 
events including ``Rock Uganda,'' a series of seven concerts. Her 
efforts helped to raise $14,500 to provide necessities for a school in 
Uganda.
  Middle school winner Matthew Waldman has participated in a variety of 
volunteer activities, including a charity antique show, bell ringing 
for the Salvation Army, and a Humane Society walk. Matthew has also 
organized dances instead of birthday parties, asking attendees to 
donate food and other items instead of bringing gifts.
  High school Distinguished Finalist Alexandra Browne spent 2 years 
coordinating events and fundraisers, recruiting volunteers and 
overseeing other logistics as chair of her school's Relay for Life 
fundraising event. The event, which raised more than $60,000, donates 
to cancer research, education, and patient support.
  Middle school Distinguished Finalist Taylor Folt spent a month of her 
summer vacation teaching English and American History to students in 
India, as well as helping them with maintenance tasks around their 
campus.
  Congratulations to this year's honorees, Anna, Matthew, Alexandra, 
and Taylor, who personify the spirit of giving back. These outstanding 
young volunteers are an inspiration to me and, I hope, to many others 
throughout Delaware.

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