Tasha Elizarde, 17, was named a distinguished finalist for Prudential’s Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.
Elizarde, a senior at Juneau-Douglas High School, organized and led her school’s annual Homeless Awareness Sleep Out as president of her Interact Club, collaborating with other school clubs for the first time and raising nearly $3,000 for the Juneau School District Homeless Fund and the Zach Gordon Youth Center food budget. She also facilitated a discussion on the stigma around homelessness and raised greater awareness through a video and newspaper coverage about the event.
“Prudential is honored to recognize these young volunteers for their exemplary service,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “We hope that their stories inspire others to consider how they, too, can volunteer their time and talents to improve their communities.”
Elizarde said the award belongs to Interact Club, the JDHS Sources of Strength, the TMHS Interact Club, and the Rotary Clubs in town.
“The 2015 Homeless Awareness Sleep Out was a project done by all of those groups,” she said.
