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Former First Lady Laura Bush congratulates Hosanna Kabakoro, 16, of Twin Falls (center) and Darrien Gish, 13, of Nampa (right) on being named the top two youth volunteers in Idaho for 2009 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Hosanna and Darrien were honored at a ceremony Sunday night, May 3, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where they each received a $1,000 award. (Photo: Business Wire)

Hosanna and Darrien were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in Idaho last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week's recognition events.

"The young people receiving these awards genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and have accomplished so much - in their own communities and around the world," said Mrs. Bush, who delivered the keynote address at last night's ceremony. "I thank and congratulate them for their outstanding volunteer work. Students with this kind of commitment and leadership ability are essential to the future of our nation."

Hosanna, a home-schooled 11th-grader, developed a presentation for teens on how to use technology safely and responsibly. When Hosanna moved to Idaho from Fiji, "I was amazed to find children as young as 5 years old accessing technology, often without parental supervision," she said. Then, a friend of hers met a man online and agreed to a face-to-face meeting that almost ended horribly. "I realized that kids all over the world are at risk from the technology they use because there's very little education on how to utilize it responsibly," said Hosanna.

Hosanna researched the dangers kids face when using the Internet, webcams, digital video recorders, mp3 players, and other forms of technology. She then utilized that research to create a kid-friendly presentation and posters featuring her recommended "Steps to Safety," and began speaking in front of teens at schools, churches, youth groups, scout troops, and home-school clubs. To reach even more young people, Hosanna is working to introduce her program in public schools, adapting her message to elementary-school audiences, and planning to recruit and train other student presenters. "The world we face is far different than the one our parents grew up in, and the risks and dangers we face are far more serious," said Hannah. "Our generation needs to stand together, to work together, and to not rely on adults alone to act on our behalf."

Darrien, a seventh-grader at Lone Star Middle School, is raising and training a puppy to become a companion dog for a disabled person confined to a wheelchair, working with an organization called Canine Companions for Independence. "After going on the organization's website, and reading all the stories about dogs and the way that they help people who are in wheelchairs, it inspired me and I just knew it was something I wanted to do," said Darrien.

Darrien submitted an application, was interviewed, had his home inspected, and developed a plan to care for a puppy. After he was accepted, Darrien became responsible for raising a young dog named Delphia for 14 months. In addition to feeding and cleaning up after the puppy, Darrien works with her every day to socialize her and teach her basic commands. He also must take her to the veterinarian for check-ups and medical care. Darrien is even responsible for paying for Delphia's care, so he saved up his lawn-mowing and babysitting earnings all summer, and asked a local veterinarian to donate Delphia's vaccinations. Eventually, Delphia will learn how to open doors, turn on lights, pick things up off the floor, and perform other helpful tasks for a disabled person. Although Darrien is sad knowing he has to send Delphia back when she is ready, he has loved the experience. "I am excited to know that all my hard work will be like giving someone a present," he said.

"Hosanna and Darrien are inspiring examples of young Americans who care deeply about the needs of others and who have taken the initiative to help meet those needs," said John R. Strangfeld, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. "By honoring them, we hope not only to give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also to inspire others to follow their example."

Nearly 20,000 young people submitted applications for the 2009 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute's HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.

Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 14 years ago by Prudential Financial, Inc. to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. Since then, the program has honored nearly 90,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

"The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is a fabulous partnership between NASSP and Prudential, allowing us to recognize the outstanding young people in our schools and communities," said NASSP President Larry Bradley. "This year's honorees exemplify the true spirit of helping others and by doing so they give America and the world a promising future, a future filled with compassion and hope."

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by the American Association of School Administrators, the National Middle School Association, the National School Boards Association, the Council of the Great City Schools, Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, the American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, the Points of Light Institute, and other national education and service organizations.

More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year's honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.principals.org/prudential.

In existence since 1916, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. NASSP's mission is to promote excellence in school leadership. The National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society , and National Association of Student Councils are all NASSP programs. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Va., visit www.principals.org or call 703-860-0200.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) is a financial services leader with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping approximately 50 million individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company's well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. For more information, visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: full-color pictures of the Spirit of Community Awards program logo and medallions are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5954245&lang=en

Prudential
Harold Banks, 973-802-8974 or 973-216-4833
On May 4, 8:30 am - 4 pm EDT: 202-955-1155 or -1166