West Milford High School senior Stephanie Paul receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

WEST MILFORD — Stephanie Paul of West Milford, a senior at West Milford 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 program on behalf of President Barack Obama. West Milford High School nominated Stephanie for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

Stephanie, 18, has been volunteering on the West Milford First Aid Squad since June of 2012 and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Stephanie volunteers 12 hours every week to the squad and is looking to obtain a degree in advance health science after graduation and then pursue a career in the medical field.

“I feel passion for what I love to do, intelligent in how I do it and the mastery of my techniques with every job I go on.” - Stephanie Paul

“I am so proud to recognize Stephanie's President's Volunteer Service Award. Stephanie embodies all the best qualities of a West Milford High School Highlander," said West Milford High School Principal Paul Gorski. "Her determination has enabled her to complete rigorous training to become an EMT, and she is involved in various community organizations. Most notably, through both the Elks Lodge and Parks and Recreation, Stephanie volunteers to work with special needs children and adults in various settings."

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 the president, 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.

For more information on the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, visit www.news.prudential.com.