Emma Hennessy, 18, of Orono, a student at Orono High School, has been 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 on behalf of President Barack Obama. Emma was nominated for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.
“Emma is a gem,” says principal Jim Chasse. “She is an avid reader who loves the performing arts and has been a big part of our drama program over the years. She is a kind person, giving of her thoughts and energies. She is mature for her age and has been a great student at OHS.
Emma has demonstrated civic responsibility by serving in a variety of roles in a health care setting, she was the only student this past year at the EMCC healthcare volunteer program that chose to volunteer year round.
Emma’s hours volunteering include assisting patients directly and indirectly. She served in he retail in the gift shop, delivering flowers and mail to patients, working in the kitchen/cafe, transporting admitted and discharged patients, delivering materials throughout the hospital, creating patient information packets, working at the information desk, planning and executing activities with patients, and helping with rehabilitation.
“It is an amazing opportunity, every day there is a new experience, a new challenge. EMMCs student volunteer program is a great way to help out in the community, and the people there are a pleasure to be around.”
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.
“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life, “said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”
Prudential Spirit of Community Award applications were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCA’s and HandsOn Network affiliates. These school and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards on behalf of President Barack Obama, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact, and personal growth.
Her experiences combined with her EMT and CNA courses at United Technologies Center will serve her well in her goal of becoming a nurse.