Two Fox High School students recently won a President’s Volunteer Award, recognizing “their exemplary volunteer service,” said Sam Rayburn, the Fox School District’s communications coordinator.
The students are senior Mallorie Mason and freshman Summer Smith.
“We are incredibly thrilled by the work Mallorie and Summer have done,” Fox High principal Ryan Sherp said. “Our students never stop amazing me. They make me proud to be a part of this community.”
The award is presented to “Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country,” Rayburn said in a written statement.
Mallorie volunteers at the St. Louis Zoo through its teen volunteer program called Zoo ALIVE (Active Leaders in Volunteer Education). As one of the volunteers, she helps educate people about problems affecting the environment and how to conserve.
Summer volunteers with Helping Hands and Horses, which provides therapeutic rides to people with disabilities. As a volunteer with the organization, she works with participants to help them prepare for their rides and helps them with other tasks as needed.
Rayburn said the volunteer award is presented by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.
The two Fox High students were nominated last fall for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, which recognizes middle and high school students for outstanding volunteer service. Criteria for the award include “personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth,” Rayburn said.
