Kayce Welch, a senior at Texas High School, has been chosen for the second year in a row as a Distinguished Finalist in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.Nine additional students in the state were honored with this award along with two State Honorees.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 21st year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NAASP).  The award represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service and is designed to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities.

Welch, daughter of Robin and Randy Hilton, was motivated by her Type I diabetes diagnoses to create the “One of a Kind Diabetes Program” in 2013.  The program has since raised awareness and $23,000 to support Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the K.I.D.S. Day Camp for children with the illness.  Welch, who received support from the JDRF and a committee of her mom and other parents of diabetic children, planned and implemented a “Black and White Soiree” to raise the funds and continues to host awareness events to help bring attention to the fight against the disease.

“Prudential commends each of these outstanding young volunteers for using their creativity and compassion to bring positive change to their communities,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld.  “We hope their stories inspire others to consider how they can make a different, too.”

Based on the number of volunteer hours Welch has contributed, she also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.  This award recognizes those who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.

Congratulations to Texas High Senior Kayce Welch on this honor!

 

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