Happy National Teacher's Day!!
Don't forget to wish the teachers in your life a Happy National Teacher's Day today! And don't forget to thank them for all the wonderful work that they do!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Reflections on the Blogging From A to Z Challenge
So this year I decided to do the A to Z Challenge. I had many reasons for doing it. Both here and on my other blog. While my other blog was completely random, this one had a set theme. I wanted all my posts to be about something school related. I don't know if I achieved that goal or not. I think some of my posts were stretching that theme a little bit. Some fell more into the volunteering category than the school category. But overall I think I did a good job.
Midway through the challenge my wonderful blog set up decided to fail me. Fortunately I had been checking my blogs daily to make sure my posts didn't have issues. So I noticed right away when my posts on my other blog appeared with a problem, but the ones here weren't showing up. Oh that sooo stressed me out. I had my blogs for this one ready to go up a week in advance for each one. No that wasn't anywhere near the time schedule I had originally planned, but still it gave me time to freak out about my other blog's posts. But now with my posts not showing up, and with me trying to have posts go up on time for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards...UGH....I was freaked. Not only did I feel I was failing in a commitment I made to myself...but I felt I was letting the kids that were nominated for that award down as well...which to me was a hundred times worse....But somehow I was able to pull through. Since until about mid April I didn't have a stable Internet connection, some days all I could do was sign on and hit post on the A to Z posts I'd had already written, but I still got it all done.
On a brighter, less stressful note I also met a lot of wonderful new bloggers. Mostly through there comments that they left here. Which thank you all for visiting...and thank you all for your encouraging comments...I don't always get a lot of comments on this blog, so I'm always happy to read them. It reminds me that people are reading what I write, and while it isn't always a whole lot of people, even just reaching and encouraging or inspiring one person to try something new to help out their community is worth it.
As for my commenting back. I didn't always get a chance to leave meaningful comments or even acknowledge comments that were left here. (I plan to try to remedy that in the upcoming weeks) Sometimes it was my limited Internet time, and sometimes it was just because I let myself get lost exploring the new blogs I found. (definitely go check out some of the other bloggers reflections here at the A to Z Challenge site)
I don't know if I will do the A to Z challenge for this blog next year. I want to, I really do. I feel there are a lot of other topics out there for certain letters that I could, and should, share. I would love to hear your thoughts on the posts I did for this years challenge. Do you think I did a good job for each letter? or are there other topics that you think would have fit a letter better? and if so I'd love to hear what those are too. (I can't promise I won't steal them for next year. Just warning you. But I will try to remember where the ideas came from and give credit where credit is due)
Were you inspired by any of my posts? Did any cause you to do something that you might not have done before? Either for your community or your school.
Thanks again to all who followed me on this wild ride this month. I hope you enjoyed it. Even with some of the technical issues, I enjoyed it. 'til next year. (but hopefully before!)
AimeeKay
The Prudential Spirit of Community National Award Ceremony
Don't forget to check out out The Prudential Spirit of Community National Award Ceremony it starts today at 12:30 PM EST! Click below to go there!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Wyoming
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Wyoming for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Megan is in seventh grade. She has been volunteering through her school's IMPACT group as well as with her family. She has helped at animal shelters and helped to raise money for breast cancer. As well as making things for senior citizens and helping homeless shelters.
and
Rebel is a senior. She raised more than $2000 for her local American Legion Post by raising and auctioning off two hogs to her local community.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Caleb Brackett-enhancing community resources
Christina Silvey-teaching,tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for all this amazing kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Wisconsin
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Wisconsin for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Jordyn Schara
'
Jordyn is a junior. She started an organization that has helped cause over 376,000lbs of prescription drugs to be collected and disposed of safely, at the same time helping to warn teens about the dangers of abusing these same drugs.
and
Zach Harmon
Zach is in seventh grade. He has started "Z-Drives", that he holds on his birthday. These drives collect food donations for local food pantries.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Hunter Evenson-enhancing community resources
Adam Hastings-enhancing community resources
Brian Swiggum-enhancing community resources
Matthias Olson-feeding the hungry
Makenzie Muehler-helping to raise awareness of human trafficking
Paige Bani-promoting tolerance or diversity
Let's hear it for these great kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from West Virginia
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from West Virginia for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Emily is a sophomore. She started "Sports For a Cure". Her organization helps teach breast cancer awareness through school sporting events.
and
Katherine is in eighth grade. She is volunteering constantly in her area. From helping in pantry drives and visiting nursing homes, to organizing fundraisers. She is always involved in some form of charity work.
And the Distinguished Finalists are:
Catherine Wells-aiding the disadvantaged
Wesley Davis-helping raise awareness of agriculture in the U.S.
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Washington
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Washington for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Jesse is a junior. He formed 'Inland NW Baby'. It is a group that has, through diaper drives, to help provide new diapers for families in need, who were having to reuse old diapers.
and
Skyler is in sixth grade. Over the past five years she has helped to donate over 2,000 coats to her local Salvation Army Christmas Center.
Diana Backman-aiding the disadvantaged
Susan Bengtson-aiding the disadvantaged
Joel Bervell-aiding the disadvantaged
Alexander Pizzirani-encouraging reading and literacy
Amanda Washburn-helping and comforting the sick
Jillian Roels-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for these wonderful kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Virginia
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Virginia for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Logan Ratzlaff
Logan is in fifth grade. He started an effort at his school to help raise enough money to donate to "Charity:Water" to provide a well for a village in Ethiopia.
and
Abby Miller
Abby is a freshman. She has helped to raise money for pediatric cancer research simply by playing her guitar. She has played across the country and has videos on YouTube bringing attention to her cause.
Madison May-aiding the disadvantaged
Elisabeth Clymer-aiding children in Africa
Emily-Anne Rigal-promoting tolerance or diversity
E. Gates Bierhuizen-protecting the environment
Ann Levy-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Madeline Pelgrim-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Apurva Pande-aiding the disadvantaged
Let's hear it for these amazing kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Vermont
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Vermont for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Emery Tillman
Emery is a senior. She has volunteered all over the world. From teaching English in Chile, to preparing meals in Zambia, to organizing trash removal from rivers in the U.S., to much more.
Todd Boisjoli
Todd is an eighth grader. He has been volunteering since he was five years old. He has helped at school with fundraisers, at the school store, and informing other students about drugs and alcohol. He has also helped out of school shoveling mud from homes damaged by Hurricane Irene.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Lucey Gagner-feeding the hungry
Alison Cook-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Let's hear it for these amazing kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Utah
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Utah for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Eric is a sophomore. He started an group called "Plant Patrol". His group has helped to remove non-native plants from a local wilderness park and re-introduce native ones.
and
Morgan is in eighth grade. She has helped to provide over 2,500 lbs of vegetables for local food banks and homeless in her community. Both by donating her own time, as well as encouraging others to get involved.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
M'Lisa Dixon-aiding the disadvantaged
Marshall Lindsay-helping to raise money and bring attention to disabilities
Irfan Mahmud-helping to encourage and educate the sick
Preston Judy-providing disaster relief
Let's hear it for all these amazing kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Texas
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Texas for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Nicholas Cobb
Nicholas is a sophomore. He has been volunteering to help the homeless for over ten years, and has recently formed an organization that has helped raise more than $20,000 to provide coats for the homeless.
and
Leah Prager
Leah is an eighth grader. For the past seven years she has held a backyard carnival to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and a local food bank.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Hayleigh Hutyra-enhancing community resources
Fengwei Xu-enhancing community resources
Carolina Destarac-helping and comforting the sick
Emily Lites-helping and comforting the sick
Haley Whatley-helping and comforting the sick
Ashley Easterly-supporting american servicemen and women
Cole Pitts-supporting american servicemen and women
Zoe Albert-taking care of animals
Amy Chyao-teaching,tutoring and mentoring other young people
Andrew Li-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Tennessee
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Tennessee for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Hannah is a senior. With the help of a friend she raised $65,000 to help keep a children's home in Brazil from having to shut down.
and
Hannah is in eighth grade. She created "Looking A-Head 4 Kids". An organization that through the selling of headbands that she makes helps to raise funds for te Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Daystar Ministries Counseling Center.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Laura Bean-feeding the hungry
Stavoula Christopoulos-helping and comforting the sick
Miana Mahaffey-helping and comforting the sick
Callie Deanda-promoting health and safety
Lauren Kelley-supporting american servicemen and women
Caroline Hawkins-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for these amazing kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from South Dakota
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from South Dakota for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Maren Johnson
Maren is a junior. She has helped collect over 6,000 lbs of soap for the "Global Soap Project." The group reprocesses soap into new bars and sends them to disadvantaged communities world wide.
and
Kadon Leddy
Kadon is in seventh grade. For the past six years he has gave his time to senior citizens in his area. He has also helped encourage his 4-H club community services to help at local nursing homes.
And the Distinguished Finalists:
Amy Shan-protecting the environment
Katherine Van Gerpen-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Rhode Island
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Rhode Island for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Sandanie Ambalangodage
Sandanie is a senior. She has helped raise money and purchased toys as well as towels, mosquito nets and other items for hospitalized children in Sri Lanka.
and
Nicholas Lowinger
Nicholas is an eighth grader. He formed the "Gotta Have Sole Foundation," to help provide shoes for children living in homeless shelters.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Kerrin Maione-assisting the disabled
Cody Clarkin-enhancing community resources
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Pennsylvania
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Pennsylvania for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Neha Gupta
Neha is a sophomore. She founded "Empower Orphans." A group that has raised over $375,000 to help needy children in India and the U.S..
and
Calista Pierce
Calista is in sixth grade. She volunteers with the Special Olympics, and helps to raise money for it's athletes to be able to compete in her area. She also helps raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
And the Distinguished Finalists are:
Brian McWilliams-assisting the disabled
Emily Morgan-encouraging reading and literacy
Conner Hagins-helping and comforting the sick
Kendall Ohrwahel-helping and comforting the sick
Shradha-Sonia Chhabria-providing disaster relief
Lauren O'Grady-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Monica Oxenreiter-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Katye Trexier-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Let's hear it for these amazing kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Oregon
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Oregon for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Alexander is a senior. He co-founded a youth advisory board that helps and promotes SMART, Start Making a Reader Today, a statewide child literacy program.
and
Chloe is in eighth grade. Chloe has volunteered to help out at and help raise money for multiple cancer organizations as well as for children suffering from cancer.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Meghana Kalavar-encouraging reading and literacy
Zachary Odegard-promoting health and safety
Noelani Gonzales-providing disaster relief
Savannah Loberger-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Lets hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Oklahoma
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Oklahoma for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Jonathan is a senior. He started "Rock-A-Thon". The event helps raise money to feed children over the weekends, who otherwise might have to go hungry.
and
Matthew is an eighth grader. He formed "A Chance for Children." Which has helped to build a home for orphans in Africa.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Taylor Daniel-aiding the disadvantaged
Clytee Burchett-encouraging reading and literacy
Gabrielle Woods-helping and comforting the sick
Lucy Mahaffey-helping to raise awareness about human trafficking and modern slavery
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from Ohio
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from Ohio for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Robert is a junior. He helped create "Hoops for Hunger." A food/fundraising even that takes place every year and has helped give over 261,000 meals to the needy in Cleveland.
and
Mack is in eighth grade. He created "Mack's Mission", which has helped to collect over 7,000 toiletries for the needy.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Phillip Reinhart-aiding the disadvantaged
Cara Shaver-aiding the disadvantaged
Aunjanna Million-aiding the disadvantaged
Suneil Kamath-helping and comforting the sick
Justin Bachman-promoting tolerance or diversity
Elise Bruening-supporting american servicemen and women
Allen Osgood-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Timothy Rosenberger-aiding the disadvantaged
Rebecca Kapusta-aiding the disadvantaged
Let's hear it for these wonderful children!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from North Dakota
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from North Dakota for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Hope Reis
Hope is a junior. She started "A Day on the Hill for Kids with Special Needs." An event that makes it so children with disabilities can get a chance to go skiing.
and
Taytum Jones
Taytum is in eighth grade. She has been working with disabled students at her school since she was in third grade. She also volunteers with "Dream Catchers" a program that helps disabled children play baseball.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Nicole Rixen-aiding the disadvantaged
Andrew Hershey-teaching, tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from New York
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from New York for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Raymond Mohler
Raymond is in eighth grade. He created the "Little St. Nick Foundation". It was created to help children who have been hospitalized not be as scared or upset.
and
Christopher Yao
Christopher is a sophomore. He created "Kids Change the World" to help children in need and to help get other children involved in helping out.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Lynn-Indora Edmond-aiding the disadvantaged
David Cruikshank-aiding the disadvantaged
John Farese-aiding the disadvantaged
Shane Carman-enhancing community resources
Emory Nagar-helping political awareness
Kayla Bubbush-promoting health and safety
Annalise Mozer-promoting health and safety
Jillian Dolce-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Let's hear it for all these awesome kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from New Mexico
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from New Mexico for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Priscilla is a seventh grader. She has been volunteering at food banks, her school and her church for the past several years.
and
Jerry is a junior. He formed "Music Connection of New Mexico". The group of young musicians has raised over $3,500 to help children suffering from Japan's recent earthquake.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Serina Pack-encouraging reading and literacy
Hallie Wright-teaching tutoring and mentoring other young people
Let's hear it for these great kids!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honorees from New Jersey
I'd like to introduce you to the Honorees from New Jersey for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The program also chooses anywhere from 2 to 10 runners up in each state. They are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion. I will be listing them as well underneath the Honorees.
I will give a short description of what the Honoree has been nominated for and then you can click on their name to find out more!
Here are the State Honorees:
Giovanna is in eighth grade. She helped for a group that connects children in her town with children in Brazil. She also goes to Brazil every summer to help the children in Brazil.
and
Stephanie is a sophomore. She not only helped her family start a non-profit, but she also formed "Include ME!". It is a program that helps bring together all kids to help end bullying and create understanding and acceptance of each other.
The Distinguished Finalists are:
Katelyn Eystad-aiding the disadvantaged
Anne Kuster-aiding the disadvantaged
Carly Levin-assisting the disabled
Andrew Bauer-helped educate other students about financial responsibility
Victoria Pan-protecting the environment
Joseph Mandes-spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Let's hear it for these awesome kids!
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