WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran today encouraged Mississippi middle school and high school students involved in volunteer and community service projects to apply for the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

A Nov. 4 application deadline has been set for this program that recognizes the contributions of youth in grades 5-12 in their communities.  The program is sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

“Service and volunteerism have helped transform so many communities and individual lives across Mississippi,” Wicker said. “The Spirit of Community awards seek to honor young Mississippians who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to care for those in need.  I urge every student who is active in his or her community to apply for this upstanding program.”

“Mississippi is repeatedly recognized as one of the most charitable states in the nation.  This spirit of giving includes the many hours of volunteer service performed by students throughout our state.  These young people set worthwhile examples, and it is these acts that the Spirit of Community awards recognize on a national stage,” said Cochran, co-chairman of the Senate National Service Caucus.

Created in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program honors middle and high school students from each state who demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.  State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and a trip to Washington, D.C., May 2-5, 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program.

Information and applications are available online at http://spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit, or by calling toll free 877-525-8491.  Applications must be completed by Nov. 4, and printed, signed and submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or affiliate of HandsOn Network.  An informational flyer on eligibility, deadlines and award details is available here: http://1.usa.gov/1uF1Ya9.

In 2014, the state was represented by Reagan Norwood, 18, of Biloxi and Jonah Holland, 15, of Belmont.  Reagan, Mississippi's top high school volunteer, collected more than 1,000 pairs of shoes and socks for homeless people over the past four years through her project, “S.O.S. (Shoes or Socks) for the Homeless.” Holland, the state’s leading middle school level volunteer, led his 4-H club promoting greater use of reusable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills.