Minnetonka Students Honored for Community Service

The following comes from Minnetonka Schools:

Rebecca Tran, an eighth grader, was named the Minnetonka Middle School West Volunteer of the Year for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. In addition, Jake Hagen (seventh grade) and David Durenberger (sixth grade) were runners-up for their volunteer community service.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards recognize outstanding community service by young Americans. Tran is now eligible for the Minnesota youth Volunteer of the Year awards. Two State Honorees, one middle level and one high school student, will be named in February. Each will receive a $1,000 award, a silver medallion and a trip to Washington, D.C. for recognition ceremonies next May. 

Other honorees will receive bronze medallions or Certificates of Excellence.

At the Washington event, ten National Honorees will be named by a distinguished national selection committee, and each will receive an additional $5,000, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for his or her school or organization and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of his or her choice.

Tran served 197 hours this last year. She provided childcare at her church, helped at Gale Woods Farm and fixed bikes for Project Life-Cycle with A Better Society. Hagen volunteered 124 hours with Miracle League baseball and the ICAN Hoop program. Durenberger volunteered 79 hours with Boy Scouts, at school and with the ICAN Hoop program where he enjoyed helping kids with disabilities learn to succeed in basketball.

Dr. Kari Wehrmann, Assistant Principal at Minnetonka Middle School West, praised the students for their volunteer service. 

“I am so proud of Rebecca, Jake, David and all of our MMW students who share their time and gifts so generously with others through volunteering," she said. "They are remarkable young adults who are inspirations to all of us.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, HandsOn Network (generated by the Points of Light Institute), and many other national youth, service and education organizations.