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Spirited giving

Published: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 8:05 AM CDT

11 Collin County Students recognized in recent Prudential ceremony.

By Katie Knickerbocker, McKinney Courier-Gazette

What does it take to make a difference? From collecting cleaning supplies to spending hours tutoring to running Web sites and even playing rock concerts, North Texas teens are proving the common denominator in making a difference is a spirit of giving.

Prudential recently honored 79 local students with the Spirit of Service Award, the nation's largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteerism.

Students were honored with gifts last week at the Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas where they were also treated to a tour of the world's top five concert halls.

The 11 Collin County students selected for the honor are listed below with a brief description of their unique service.

Nicholas Cobb of Ereckson Middle School in Allen organized a drive for the Samaritan Inn homeless shelter, supplying cleaning and paper products for two hundred families.

Patrick Foster of Sachse High School started his own non-profit company to raise money to support our military. He's obtained sponsorship from corporate companies and in 2008, he has sent a $100,000 in merchandise and $8000 in gift cards to 43 bases world wide.

Alexander Howells of Cistercian Preparatory School in Plano has spent more than 100 hours teaching geometry and algebra to students preparing for the National Math Counts Competition. He took part in a 30-hour fast to raise money and awareness for world hunger and he's organized dances for the members of the Down Syndrome Guild.

Charles Marquet of Centennial High School in Frisco participated in training meetings and supervised new-coming participants to the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. Their goal it is to positively impact the world by discussing problems such as racism and putting those words into action.

Jordan Molder of Wakeland High School in Little Elm co-runs a local website for people in the community who want to get involved with volunteering, and has volunteered with the Frisco Flyers, a Special Olympics Team.

Justin Montgomery of McKinney High School put together and played in a benefit rock concert to raise money for his teacher who had become ill and was unable to teach. The proceeds from his concert went towards the family's medical and living expenses.

Christopher Nevins of Plano Senior High School, organized volunteers and donations to build a basketball court for abused, neglected and homeless teens living at an emergency shelter in Plano known as CITY House.

Mounika Puligurthi of Armstrong Middle School in Plano made pillows for the dogs and cats sheltered in the SPCA of McKinney. She worked on this activity with her Girl Scout partner.

Srivastava Sonti of Plano Senior High School has volunteered for a non-profit organization called DYC USA. She has participated in many ways, some of which are helping prepare for non-profit programs, teaching children at Sunday school, collecting donations for orphanages, selling CDs and other goods to give profits to orphanages, and coordinating volunteers.

Gretchen Terry of Centennial High School in Frisco traveled to Romania with a group of missionaries from Water's Edge Church and volunteered at a day center in Constanta, working with orphans and impoverished children.

Colby Ye of Jasper High School in Plano organized a concert to raise money for the victims of the earthquake that hit China in May of 2008. He recruited members from the Toast Masters Club, and secured world-renowned musicians and a national level rhythmic gymnasts.

Spirit of Community Awards are sponsored by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The program was created in 1995 to help make young Americans aware of the importance of volunteerism and community service.

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