Alex Han, Gr. 11 has been named one of the top runners-up in the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in California, and, as a Distinguished Finalist, will receive an engraved medallion to commemorate the award at an assembly in March. Han also qualifies for the President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizing Americans of all ages who have volunteered for at least 100 hours of community service. Han spent two summers volunteering in Seoul, South Korea, assisting adults afflicted with Downs Syndrome and autism. Han helped with cooking and cleaning and assissted individuals to participate in sports, music, language and art classes.

There were only 234 finalists named out of over 5,000 local honorees, nationwide. “The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities, said John R. Strangerfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “They truly deserve all of the praise and encouragement we can give them.” The Presidents Award is via the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. More details on the Prudential award can be found on their Web site.