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Press Releases

WASHINGTON –Bethel Middle School student Colbe Cortez received the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, honoring his commitment and dedication to helping others, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

Cortez, a seventh grader at Bethel Middle School, earned this recognition for his efforts to help a local homeless shelter. Colbe used money he received for Christmas to rent a plot in his church’s community garden. He sold vegetables he grew to benefit a local shelter for working homeless families.

Cortez’s family encouraged him in this endeavor. His parents, Corey and Lynn Cortez, were in Washington to see him awarded for his efforts. 

 “I had an awesome week and I would like to thank Prudential,” he said. 

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

“Colbe’s hard work, dedication and passion for helping the community is commendable. His ability to recognize a neighbor in need and take action to help is what community service is all about. He is well deserving of this recognition. I am proud of Colbe’s efforts of taking steps to help make the world a better place,” 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.