Leavelle McCampbell Middle School sixth-grader Gracey Chafin has been named as one of South Carolina’s top two youth volunteers for 2018 as part of the 23rd Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. She was honored for her outstanding community service during a special event Thursday, March 29, at 6:00 p.m., preceding the school’s Beta Club induction ceremony.
Prudential Financial sponsors the Spirit of Community Awards in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honoring middle level and high school students nationwide for outstanding volunteer service. South Carolina State Representative Ronnie Young presented Gracey with a special resolution congratulating her on such superlative service to her community.
“We could not be more proud of Gracey, or more thrilled to recognize her commitment to volunteerism and making a difference within her community,” commented Leavelle McCampbell Principal Michelle Padgett. “We look forward to joining with our school community and stakeholders in honoring her dedication and passion for serving others.”
As a South Carolina honoree, Gracey will receive a $1,000 award, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in April where she will join top youth volunteers from across the U.S. for a number of special recognition events. During the trip, 10 students will be named as America's top youth volunteers of 2018. Prudential Finance representative Renee Montenyohl presented Gracey with an engraved medallion during Thursday’s ceremony.
Gracey, 11, of Graniteville, joined Alyssa Gottheiner, 15, of Manning, as South Carolina's top two youth volunteers.
Gracey, who was also inducted as a new member of the Leavelle McCampbell Middle School Beta Club on Thursday, has collected enough donations over the past five years to provide more than 100 Radio Flyer wagons and over 10,000 toys, books, games and other items to kids being treated at a local children's hospital.
At age six, Gracey donated seven inches of her hair to support a school friend who had been diagnosed with leukemia, and when she learned that a local children's hospital was soliciting donations, Gracey decided to collect money and toys for pediatric patients at Children's Hospital of Georgia. She started by selling cinnamon rolls and coffee at her neighborhood yard sale, and then organized an annual two-week donation drive at her school, where classmates bring in toys and other items that could brighten the days of hospitalized children. Gracey also collects money from family members, friends, businesses and church members to purchase red Radio Flyer wagons, used to transport both toys and young patients in the hospital. She delivers toys and wagons to the hospital each year on her birthday.
"The need of the hospital is so substantial, it is an overwhelming task," Gracey commented. "But when an entire community comes together, the task is so much more manageable."
"Prudential is proud to recognize these remarkable young people for using their energy, creativity and compassion to bring meaningful change to their communities," stated Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We hope their stories inspire others to consider how they can do the same."
"These middle level and high school students have not only improved the lives of the people and communities they've served – they also set an important example for their peers," commented JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "These honorees prove that you're never too young to make a difference."
While in Washington, D.C., the 102 State Honorees – one middle level and one high school student from each state and the District of Columbia – will tour the capital's landmarks, meet top youth volunteers from other parts of the world, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, and visit their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. On April 30, 2018, 10 State Honorees – five middle level and five high school students – will be named America's top youth volunteers of 2018. These National Honorees will receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, crystal trophies and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2018 PR LMMS GRACEY CHAFIN STATE WINNER