O'Donovan Recognized for Service

Malden Catholic High School is pleased to announce that Alexander O’Donovan of Somerville has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a state-level Certificate of Excellence from the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.  Alex was presented the award by Justin Jones of Prudential Financial, a 1994 graduate of Malden Catholic. 

Alex was nominated for this award by Malden Catholic, from which he graduated in May. He will attend Boston University in September.

Presented annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals  (NASSP), the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people across America for outstanding community service.

Alex took leadership roles in community service activities throughout his four years at Malden Catholic.  He also led the “Team DiaBeaters,” a team of students and supporters who annually raised funds for diabetes research. 

More than 345,000 young people have been considered for these awards since the program’s inception in 1995, making it the nation’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service.

“The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial.  “In recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer service activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”

“Demonstrating civic responsibility through community 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.”

Program applications were distributed last September to all public and private middle schools and high schools, Girl Scout councils and other young organizations.  After Local Honorees were named, state-level judges selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients.  Volunteer activities were judged on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.