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NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - This has been one the best weeks in Linda DosSantoss teenage life. First she was accepted early decision to the college of her choice, NYU. Secondly, she received the Presidents Volunteer Service Award, presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama.
The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities, said Prudential Financials CEO, John R. Strangfeld. In recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer service activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.
DosSantos has performed over 600 hours of community service in the last four years, including volunteer work at Mountain Lakes Camp, peer tutoring, acting as student representative to the Foundation for Learning, assisting in gym classes at PQ, assisting at the altar at St. Johns Chapel, and numerous activities with the Girl Scouts.
The Presidents Award specifically cites her Pets for Vets project, wherein she collected emergency care items for the dogs of servicemen with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Her project was pretty special, said Harold Banks, speaking for Prudential Financial. She had some stiff competition. This award wasnt easy to achieve. She was competing against 26,000 people in the U. S. alone. I want to say thank you to her parents because without them the program wouldnt exist. Volunteer efforts start at home.
Linda has a really good role model in her mother, added George Bovino, vice-principal of North Salem High School. Her mother has done a lot for the community. Linda is very generous and shes mature beyond her years.
Linda DosSantos responded by saying, Yes, my mom is very involved. And I feel very fortunate to be the person I am, so I like to give back and help other people.
Which of her various activities is the most rewarding? Being in Girl Scouts. You get involved in so many different things, she added.
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