WHS student receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

Post date: Mar 24, 2017 6:8:12 PM

Wells High School Principal Eileen Sheehy has announced that Emma Clarrage, a senior at WHS, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Clarrage received this recognition for 197 hours of volunteer community service. As of mid-March 2017, she had reached 223 hours of service.

Clarrage was notified of this honor through a letter from the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program which grants the award on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. This award is sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

“Emma Clarrage is an excellent student and a distinguished community member,” commented Principal Sheehy. “Her positive presence permeates our school and is contagiously welcoming. She is an inspiring example of someone who makes a difference in her community. I am extremely proud that Emma has been selected for her outstanding citizenship.”

Along with a certificate, Clarrage received a letter from former President Barack Obama.

“Congratulations on receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country,” wrote Obama.

In relation to the above news, Wells High School nominated Clarrage last fall for national honors in recognition of her volunteer service including time spent volunteering at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire.

“Extremely exciting,” said Clarrage when asked about receiving the Presidential award. At WHS she is a member of the Student Council (Treasurer) and Interact Club, “FEMS in STEM” which focuses on careers in math and science for women, plus coach for the WJHS Division II Odyssey of the Mind Team.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Award recognizes mid-level and high school students across the United States for outstanding volunteer service.

“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” commented NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards letter to Clarrage. She closed with, “We salute you for your community spirit and significant accomplishments.”

Winner of a 2017 President’s Volunteer Service Award is WHS student Emma Clarrage