Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus Senior Named Distinguished Finalist for New York's Top Youth Volunteers Of 2018

Supriya Makam, a senior at Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus was named Distinguished Finalist for New York’s Top Youth Volunteers of 2018 by National Program. Along with eight other finalists in New York, Ms. Makam was awarded a certificate, a letter of recognition from the President of the United States, and will receive an engraved bronze medallion at a Board of Education meeting at a later date.

Supriya Makam, 17, of Newburgh, N.Y., a senior at Newburgh Free Academy, has mobilized more than 100 volunteers to help foster a love of learning in local kids through "Educate Without Borders," the nonprofit she started in 2013. In addition to organizing book collections, learning activities and other events through her nonprofit, Supriya has conducted extensive research on the use of a leading opioid addiction treatment in her county and the barriers to access.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. All public and private middle level and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of Points of Light's HandsOn Network, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award. These Local Honorees were then reviewed by an independent judging panel, which selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria including personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth. 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 23^rd year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

“I am so happy for Supriya! She has many academic accomplishments and accolades, but she will be most remembered for her spirit of volunteerism and willingness to help others. This is a well-deserved award." Ms. Pamela Bonsu, School Counselor at Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus

“I definitely wasn’t expecting this because it’s such an honorable and competitive award. I’m very grateful to have been chosen. I really enjoy helping others and the joy that I feel from it is something that I can’t get from anything else, which is why I have continued to volunteer and give back. I absolutely hope to expand on my community service projects in the future.” Supriya Makam, senior at Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus

Since the program began in 1995, more than 120,000 young volunteers have been honored at the local, state and national level. The program also is conducted by Prudential subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland. In addition to granting its own awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program also distributes President's Volunteer Service Awards to qualifying Local Honorees.

For information on all of this year's Prudential Spirit of Community State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists, visit http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!