Kentucky 4-Her Included in List of National Award Recipients
Kentucky 4-Her Included in List of National Award Recipients
A Kentucky 4-H member has earned a place among an elite group of national winners in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards competition.
Allison Hammer, a 17-year old 4-Her and graduating senior at Monroe County High School, has been recognized by Prudential Financial, Inc. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals as a Distinguished Finalist. Her award is for planning and raising funds for an All-Terrain Vehicle safety camp for youth in her county after two of her friends lost their lives in an ATV accident.
“Allison recruited a committee of volunteers, secured a grant and other donations for the camp and coordinated the entire event,” said Susan Guffey, Monroe County Cooperative Extension agent for 4-H youth development.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program honors young people for exemplary acts of volunteerism.
“This is the first time that a member of Kentucky 4-H has earned this national award, and we are very proud of Allison,” said Ken Culp III, Extension 4-H youth development specialist for volunteerism in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.
Hammer is one of only four young Kentuckians, and one of only 236 students nationwide, to receive the honor. Each Distinguished Finalist will receive an engraved bronze medallion. The national awards program also recognized 104 State Honorees from across the country, and 780 Certificate of Excellence winners.
“These youth are among the most outstanding young volunteers in America, and Kentucky 4-H agents, volunteers and parents can be extremely pleased that our strong local emphasis on volunteerism and community service is helping 4-Hers such as Allison earn the recognition they deserve,” Culp said.
All public and private middle-level and high schools in the United States, as well as Girl Scout councils, 4-H organizations, Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, Camp Fire USA councils and Volunteer Centers were eligible to select a student or member for a local award last November. State judges then selected Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.
