Greenville, Ohio – Mariah Reitz, 18, of Greenville has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. 

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama.  Mariah participated in the Spirit of Community program this year as a representative of Greenville High School in Greenville, where she is a student. 

Mariah earned her award through her community service efforts with Key Club at the local and state levels.  Mariah has logged almost 300 hours of service including developing a county-wide homeless awareness event, “Box City”.  Mariah serves as this year’s Key Club International Ohio District Secretary after serving two years as Lieutenant Governor.  Mariah is also a member of SADD and National Honor Society while maintaining a 3.97 GPA. 

“Mariah is a quality student who takes initiative in pursuing her academic goals and in executing the duties of her leadership positions,” said Ken Neff, Principal of Greenville High School. 

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities.  More than 345,000 young people across America have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995. 

“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 through all public and private middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters. YMCAs, and affiliates of HandsOn Network.  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. 

NASSP, based in Reston, Va., is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world.  Prudential Financial, based in Newark, N.J., provides more than 50 million individual and institutional customers worldwide with life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services.