Hand Middle School student is state winner in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program

Gordon Stiglbauer, a 14-year-old student at Hand Middle School, is one of South Carolina’s top two youth volunteers for 2004 in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Stiglbauer, who was nominated by Hand Middle School, will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in May, where he will join other state honorees, as well as winners from the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, for several days of national recognition events. Ten of them will be named as America’s top youth volunteers for 2004 at that time.

“People as caring and committed as these young students are critical to the future of our neighborhoods, our cities and our nation,” said Arthur F. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these honorees, we hope to encourage other young people—our future leaders—and all Americans to think more about the value and importance of volunteering in our communities.”

An eighth-grader at Hand Middle School, Stiglbauer volunteers to teach computer technology classes to children and adults from 3 to 90 years old at a community technology center. Inspired by the enthusiasm and support of an adult mentor, Stiglbauer decided to use his knowledge of computers and technology to educate others. “As technology becomes a larger part of our world, more knowledge of it is becoming necessary to succeed in school and life, “ he explained.

Stiglbauer works primarily with younger students on weekends and at summer technology camps, teaching them the basics of computers and various software programs used in schools. He also participates in team-building exercises, recruits volunteers and serves as a positive role model for young children. Stiglbauer plans to continue his volunteer efforts through high school. “This project is constantly expanding and growing in size and heart and will continue to grow for years to come, he said.

“We are proud to recognize the commitment these young people have shown to their schools and communities, “ said Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. “Their dedication and selflessness is testament to the kind of young people in our nation’s schools.

All public and private middle level and high schools in the country, as well as Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, Camp Fire USA councils and Volunteer Centers, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November. Local honorees then were reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based upon criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.