JAY — Spruce Mountain High School recently held a student assembly to honor its February Student of the Month and its “Phoenix” award winner.

Brooke Steele was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. Spruce Mountain nominated Brooke for national honors in recognition of her volunteer service.

Brooke raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine by hosting a “Week Of Wishes” in all of the RSU73 schools. Each day is a different themed dress-up day. Each student pays one dollar each day. She also volunteers her time as an AYS Raiders football cheering coach, a Maine Youth Leadership counselor, she works at a soup kitchen, visits nursing homes and volunteers her time at a vacation Bible school. When presented with this award, Brooke said, “I was thrilled and honored to receive this award. I didn’t think I’d receive it.”

Principal TJ Plourde said of Brooke, “She is well deserving of such an award. She is a very hard worker and is a great representative of Spruce Mountain High School.”

Sam Brenner was selected as the Student of the Month for February. Sam is in the junior class.

Jonathan Morse was selected as the Phoenix award winner for February. He is in the junior class.

Erik Taylor, a senior at Spruce Mountain High School, was awarded a certificate of merit for his advancement as a finalist in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. Erik became a semifinalist in the fall after receiving one of the highest 2013 PSAT scores in the state.

To become a finalist, the semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the group of finalists, based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.