COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 210

September 28, 2007

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Over the past 12 years, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to more than 2,000 middle and high school students across Virginia for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and serving their communities through many other volunteer activities. This week the search begins to identify more young Virginians who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 13^th year.

These awards, presented nationwide by Prudential Financial, Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honor outstanding community service by young people in grades 5 through 12. This year, young volunteers can apply online through www.prudential.com/spirit or www.principals.org/prudential. Applications must be completed by October 31, 2007, then printed out, signed, and submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA, or a Volunteer Center belonging to the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. Those without Internet access can get a paper version of the application form by calling (877) 525-8491 toll-free.

For more information, please contact Marilyn Elder, mathematics and science grants specialist, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Marilyn.Elder@doe.virginia.gov, or by telephone at (804) 371-2430.

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