A local student’s commitment to giving back to her community has gotten some national attention.
Ashley High School’s Madison Bosner was recently awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work the The Commons at Brightmore, an assisted living facility in Wilmington. The award recognizes American citizens of all ages who have given significant time for the enrichment and betterment of others. It was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama.
“Madison is an impressive young lady and certainly deserves this recognition,” Ashley Principal Patrick McCarty said.
McCarty and staff nominated the senior–who plans to head to East Carolina University in the fall–for the award because of her ongoing dedication to The Commons while balancing school work and other obligations. For the last two years, Bosner has visited the assisted living facility each week with a pet therapy dog to work with residents in the Alzheimer’s and dementia wings.
“Going and interacting with people that suffered speech ailments, strokes, memory loss and many other conditions is important to help them have a better day and possibly improve their progress,” Bosner noted.
Over the course of her volunteer service, Bosner has trained two therapy dogs. While at ECU, she plans to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy.
Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Spirit of Community awards recognize middle and high school students nationwide for their outstanding volunteer service.
“The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”
NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti agreed.
“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life. These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate,” she said.
According to a New Hanover County Schools spokeswoman, award applications were sent out last fall to schools, as well as other youth-related organizations like Girl Scouts, 4-H, American Red Cross and YMCA. From there, local honorees were nominated and then judged at the state level. A select number went on to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Volunteer activities were judged on personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth, among other criteria.
