Laboratory Schools students now have the opportunity for national recognition and a scholarship for making an impact on their community through service, fundraising or protests. 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards will recognize any student from grades five to 12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Since 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have honored over 140,000 students, awarding scholarships and giving national recognition every year, according to its website. 

Lab students may apply for the award by submitting an application by Nov. 10. 

State-level winners of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards will be announced Feb. 9. Winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship and an invitation to the program’s national recognition events. 

Five middle school and five high school students will also be named national honorees, who each receive an additional $5,000 scholarship, a gold medallion, and a crystal trophy for their school or certifying organization. In addition, national honorees receive grants of $5,000 from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice, according to the Prudential website. 

College counselor Patty Kovacs said intrinsic motivation, not prize money, should motivate participating in these programs.

Kovacs argued, “It doesn’t matter if you choose theater, service or STEM — it’s the dedication that’s the most important.” 

She emphasized, the service, not the medal, is what is important. 

She said, “What’s much more important is the impact your service has on the community. in the long run.”