Ashley Patrick, a senior at Southeast Bulloch High School, has received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. The award recognizes Americans, like Patrick, who have devoted significant amounts of time to serving their communities and country. She was nominated for the national honor in September by SEBHS faculty.
        Patrick volunteers in several areas of her school and community, but the hours she spends weekly reading to residents at Willow Pond Assisted Living Center mean the most to her.
        "The relationships that I have built with women from another generation are priceless," Patrick said. "I really enjoy hearing their stories and the wisdom they share with me."
        The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
        "The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities," said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. "By recognizing them 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," NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti added. "These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate."