Holste wins Top Youth Volunteer of 2021 Scholarship
Launch the media gallery 1 playerWe would like to congratulate Davin Holste for being named lowa's Middle School youth volunteer of 2021 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, America's largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service.
As a State Honoree, Davin will receive a $2,500 scholarship, a silver medallion and an invitation to the program's virtual national recognition celebration in April, where 10 of the 102 State Honorees will be named America's top youth volunteers of the year. Those 10 National Honorees will earn an additional $5,000 scholarship, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their nominating organization and a $5,000 grant for a nonprofit charitable organization of their choice.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, conducted annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honors students in grades 5-12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.
Davin, an eighth-grader at Shenandoah Middle School, volunteers in numerous ways to make his community a better place to live. "When I moved to my town a few years back, our community said that there was a lack of volunteerism," said Davin. “This motivated me to work with my community."
Davin has cleaned parks, posted water-pressure readings on fire hydrants, and made flag posts for a cemetery. He also has helped with a "Shop with a Cop" program to buy gifts for children in need at Christmastime, assisted with many food drives, and volunteered to help with a local Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast. At his church, Davin has helped provide Christmas gifts for children in need overseas. Recently, he also made a video to help students return to school safely after being sequestered at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Volunteering has helped make me a better person," said Davin. “I learned that I can make a difference if I work my hardest."
State Honorees in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Class of 2021 – the top middle level and high school volunteer from all 50 states and the District of Columbia - were selected for service initiatives completed, at least in part, between the fall of 2019 and the fall of 2020. Selection was based on criteria including impact, effort, initiative and the personal growth demonstrated over the course of the project. Several Distinguished Finalists and runners-up were also selected in each state, and all qualifying applicants received President's Volunteer Service Awards.
Davin is pictured with Mrs. Perry, middle school teacher and student council advisor, who nominated him for this award. Thank you to Mrs. Perry for nominating Davin and congrats to Davin on winning this prestigious award! #horsepower