PCA Senior Receives Volunteer Service Award
Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) senior, Manogna Dumpala, age 16, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).
The PSVA, under each United States Administration, honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action. Manogna’s recognition was certified by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a PVSA certifying organization.
During her high school career, Manogna has volunteered over 1000 hours of community service. A large portion of those hours have been devoted to Frisbee Memorial Hospital Women’s and Children’s Unit, Frisbee Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, Seacoast Science Center, and Cross Road Children’s Center.
Upper School Principal Steve Foley says of Manogna, “Manogna is one of the hardest working students I’ve seen, in and out of the classroom. She consistently puts the needs of others ahead of her own and is always willing to sacrifice her time to serve others.”
Colleen Geller, PCA’s College Planning Counselor, says Manogna’s volunteer service has helped inform her future career plans. “Three years ago, Manogna began volunteering at a local hospital and thoroughly enjoyed her experiences and solidified her desire for a career in medicine. She has been completely invested in her time there, cheerfully doing whatever has been asked. Her enthusiasm to learn about the medical field has been rewarded with invitations to shadow medical professionals with opportunities rarely afforded to volunteers.”
According to Manogna, “At each of the places I have served, I learned something new and grew. Frisbie Memorial Hospital played a big role as I learned about different aspects of the medical field, and supported my passion of being a Physician Assistant.”
In its 25th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.
“Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer, too.”
“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”
Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global Network members. These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth.