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Press Releases

WASHINGTON –Caddo Gap teen Heather Jackson received the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, honoring her commitment and dedication to helping others, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

Jackson, a senior at Caddo Hills High School, earned this recognition for educating her community on disaster preparedness. She developed a presentation that more than 3,500 people have seen at schools, 4-H events and other community gatherings. In addition she created brochures, organized a day camp to teach young citizens how to prepare for a disaster and made disaster packs to help families who need a quick evacuation from their homes. 

Jackson was encouraged to become involved in disaster preparedness education in 2009 after a tornado struck nearby Mena. 

“This has been an amazing and rewarding experience,” Jackson said. 

Jackson met with U.S. Senator John Boozman during her trip to Washington D.C. during award recognition events. 

“Arkansans have witnessed the destruction Mother Nature can leave behind. I’m proud of the work that Heather is doing to increase awareness in her community so people understand what they can do to prepare for disasters and what they can do to keep themselves safe. I encourage Heather to continue efforts to reach out to Arkansans so they can be prepared in case of an emergency,” Boozman said. 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Award represents the nation’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The award was created in 1995 by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals to honor middle and high school students.