WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran, members of the National Service Congressional Caucus, today encouraged Mississippi students involved in volunteer and community service projects to apply for the 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

Applications are due Nov. 7, 2017, for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program, which honors students who contribute to their communities through voluntarism and acts of service.  Two students from grades 5-12 will be selected from Mississippi.  Selected youth will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington D.C., April 28 - May 1, 2018.

“Each year, I meet exceptional students from all across Mississippi whose work is making an impact,” Wicker said. “The Spirit of Community Award acknowledges the accomplishments of our state’s most inspiring volunteers, and I urge every student who is active in his or her community to apply for this program.”

“The Spirit of Community program recognizes youth whose good work make their schools and communities better.  I’m proud of the community service and volunteerism that characterizes Mississippi, particularly among our youth,” Cochran said.  “I encourage students from across the state to apply for this honor.”

Information and applications are available online at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit, or by calling toll free 855-670-4787.  Applications must be completed by Nov. 7, and printed, signed and submitted to middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or affiliate of HandsOn Network.

Mississippi’s 2017 delegates were Luke Kelly of Water Valley, and Davian Powell of Lexington.  Kelly, a junior at Oxford High School and a member of Lafayette County 4-H, was selected based on his work to improve scenic hiking trails in North Mississippi.  Powell, an eighth grader at Williams-Sullivan Elementary School and active in 4-H, was cited for his work as a mentor who teaches other youth how to raise livestock.

The program, established in 1995, is sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  An informational flyer on eligibility, deadlines and award details is available here:  http://bit.ly/2w6OO9F