NHS Student Honored

At Volunteerism Ceremony

Nicole Vournazos, a senior at Newtown High School, created curriculum to teach her fellow high school students about microfinancing, the practice of providing small loans to underprivileged people so they can develop a steady source of income and not depend on charity.

Nicole worked with her teachers and members of the Yale Microfinance Club in the development and teaching of the curriculum.

For her work Nicole was honored at a February 9 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards event in Hartford as a distinguished finalist along with students from Waterford, Guilford, and Fairfield. The Prudential Spirit Community Awards is a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards program is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Nicole was one of four students named distinguished finalists in the state. Natalie Anderson of Waterford, Emily Breeze Guilford, and Alexandra Taikowski of Fairfield were also named distinguished finalists. Lance Pepper of Torrington and Demery Ormrod of Orange were named as the top two youth volunteers selected by the program in the state, and they will continue on to the national portion of the program. Both Lance and Demery received $1,000 for their accomplishment.

“People as caring and committed as these young students are critical to the future of our neighborhoods, our cities, and our nation,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these honorees, we hope to encourage other young people, our future leaders, and all Americans to think more about the value and importance of volunteering in their communities.”

All public and private middle and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, country 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, and affiliates of HandsOn Network were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November. Nearly 5,000 local honorees were reviewed by an independent judging panel, which selected state honorees and distinguished finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact, and personal growth. 

Nicole will be presented a medallion in March during either a student assembly, a school sports event, a school board meeting, or another suitable public gathering, according to a letter to Newtown High School Principal Charles Dumais from the Prudential Spirit Community Awards.

“Based on the number of volunteer hours indicated on your honoree’s application, Nicole also has qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award,” the letter reads. “This award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. On behalf of President Obama, we are proud to be able to present this additional award to Prudential Spirit Community honorees who have met its requirements.”