Middletown High School sophomore Maureen McCarrick has led a successful high school career, but her most recent achievement has turned the heads of many, both in and out of the Middletown community.
McCarrick was named one of Maryland’s two top youth volunteers by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Although she has known about the award for a while, it was not until her recognition on the morning announcements that MHS students gained full awareness of her achievement.
Prudential agent Roger Diehl was selected to announce McCarrick’s award and present an honorary medal on April 15.
From a pool of countless nominees, “the committee makes selections from the corporate office in New Jersey,” said Diehl.
Despite the competition, however, McCarrick’s volunteer work won her the prestigious title.
“I was pretty surprised,” she said. “I wasn’t really expecting it.”
The application process was extensive, and required multiple essays describing the work’s inspiration, effort, impact, and affect on her personal growth.
“There was a lot of questions about my activites, so it took me a couple days,” she said.
MHS Principal Jay Berno, who was present at the presentation during the morning announcements, hopes that McCarrick’s achievements will be an example for other students. Berno said he hopes students will learn “that service to mankind is the best work on the Earth.”
The Kids Theatre that McCarrick and her sister founded has helped many in need. McCarrick’s has been involved with everything from advertising and finding sponsors to performing and set construction.
The troupe performs at nursing homes and day care centers, and has raised money to help others.
Along with an engraved silver in recognition of her extensive community service, McCarrick and the middle school recipient of the Maryland award will receive $1000 and attend a conference in Washington DC. There, they will other state honorees and have a chance to be named one of ten American top youth volunteers.
