Y Volunteer, Bridget Morris, Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

The Somerset Hills YMCA is proud to announce that Bridget Morris, age 17 of Basking Ridge, NJ, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with the 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. The Somerset Hills YMCA nominated Bridget for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

For the past 4 years, Bridget has been a dedicated volunteer for the Saturdays in Motion, a recreational program for children with autism and their families that is held at the Somerset Hills YMCA. Additionally, Bridget has given her time to support the Y’s Annual Campaign through personal fundraising efforts.

“Bridget is passionate about her volunteer work with the children in the Saturdays in Motion program,” commented Sylvia Velez, Director of Member & Volunteer Engagement at the Somerset Hills YMCA. “She connects well with the children in her care by demonstrating attentiveness and patience while making sure they are having fun.”

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.

“The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”

“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, YMCAs and HandsOn Network affiliates.  These schools 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.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is one of the area’s leading charitable, community service organizations. As a cause-driven organization, the Y believes that everyone, regardless of income, age or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. To that end, the Somerset Hills YMCA provides financial assistance to individuals and families who struggle financially, and provides low cost or free programs at the Y that address community needs. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families to build a healthier and more connected community.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and all school leaders from across the United States and more than 36 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.                       

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