HMS Student Receives Award


Lyla Evans of Hugoton Middle 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.


Lyla volunteer’s her time with the after-school program, the summer program, and McCurdy Ministries during the summer to help make sure that their school is ready to go for the upcoming school year. “I know I speak for everyone at HMS when I say that we are very proud of Lyla for taking the time to give back to others,” said Middle School Principal Tyson Eslinger.


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.


“Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer, too.”


“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 application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout council, 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Affiliates of Points of Light’s HandsOn Network. 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, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.