Congratulations Amanda!

Prudential Spirit of Community Award recipients honored at state Capitol

OLYMPIA (Thursday, 3-01-00)--Eight recipients of the 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, including a Selah teen-ager, met with lawmakers today in Olympia to accept a resolution passed by the House of Representatives in their honor.

The Spirit of Community Award honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities.

The awards were issued earlier this year by the Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Rep. Mary Skinner, R-Yakima, is one of the co-sponsors of House Resolution 4764, which honored the eight young leaders for their volunteer service, peer leadership, and community spirit.

"These young people are the best and the brightest. They often work behindthe scenes to make a difference and often do not get the credit they deserve," said Skinner. "It's with great pleasure that we recognize their outstanding community achievements."

Among those recipients honored today is 17-year-old Amanda Solano of Selah.

"Amanda is a senior at Selah High School who has been working to educateyoung people and adults about the dangers of alcohol and drugs," said Skinner. "She coordinated a mock car crash that was witnessed by the entire student body of her school. She put together a video and gave a presentation to the school board. Amanda's work and her commitment to this project have been extraordinary. We are proud to honor her today."

Other award recipients honored include: Paul Gordon, Redmond; Brett and Cameron Byrd, Camas; Lindsey O'Neal, Federal Way; Timothy Pilgrim, Kent;Jesse Rowe, Port Orchard; and Wynne Scherf, Metalline Falls. The honorees are between the ages of 13 and 18.