Abi Jacunski, an 8th grader at Mater Christi School, has been selected as Vermont’s top Middle Level youth volunteers in the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. This is the third year in a row that a Mater Christi School student has been recognized and honored by Prudential. As a State Honoree, Abigail will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a series of national recognition events from May 2-5, 2015.
During the Washington, D.C. events, ten National Honorees – five high school and five middle level students-will receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools and $5,000 grants for the charities of their choice. A special assembly will be held at MCS when a Prudential representative will present the silver medallion to Abi.
Abi Jacunski has been involved in many volunteer activities, many of which are through her church youth group. Abi did the “30 Hour Fast” twice, eating only broth and juice, to raise money for World Vision. They did a “Three Squares” challenge where participants had to buy two different dinners for a family of four which had all the necessary nutrients and had to purchase the food on a $20 budget. The group also makes sandwiches for the emergency shelter, snacks for Vacation Bible School and dinner at the Ronald McDonald House.
Abi did an “Imagine No Malaria” sleep-out under mosquito nets to raise money so that people in parts of Africa could have mosquito nets. She is also involved with Pedals for Progress which helps people in third world countries get bicycles.
Finally, Abi has stuffed letters for JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project) which helps low income people meet their daily needs. Abi’s community outreach activities are an on-going effort.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to honor middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level.
The program’s goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. Click here to learn more.
Learn About Our Past Recipients
- 2013: Michaela Forgione, Grade 8: BusinessWire.com: Vermont Youth Honored Volunteerism National Award Ceremony
- 2014: Tre Diemer, Grade 7: Burlington Free Press: Mater Christi Student Tre Diemer Offers Measure of Green Gumption
About Mater Christi School
Mater Christi School is a private Catholic school, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, that combines rigorous, 21st-century academics with a values-centered, global philosophy. From the first day of pre-school through eighth grade graduation, Mater Christi School guides students’ success by helping them develop their unique strengths.
Contact
Mater Christi School
Sr. Joanne LaFreniere, Director of Public Relations
802.658.3992
www.mcschool.org