MHS freshman recognized for community service

On Feb. 19, Maricopa High School freshman Evan Grace was presented with a 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Excellence Award for demonstrating “exceptional initiative in service to the community” and he was designated as one of the top student volunteers in Arizona.

Evan’s signature event for the past two years has been the “Sock Drive.” Both years, he has spearheaded in cooperation with the Blue Star Moms of Maricopa a donation drive to provide socks for our active military service troops. This past summer 500 pairs of socks were collected and donated. Evan was nominated for this award by Renita Myers, principal of Maricopa High School, with support and encouragement from Rick Abel, principal at Maricopa Wells Middle School.

In an unanticipated follow-up, Evan also received a signed personal letter from President Barack Obama along with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award offered by the Corporation for National and Community Service is presented “in recognition and appreciation for (Evan’s) commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service”.

Along with the Sock Drive, Evan is a Youth Champion for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He is also a 2-year member of the City of Maricopa Youth Council, a role that necessitated a lowering of the age requirement to allow his participation as an eighth grader.

Evan is also deeply engaged at Maricopa High School and also is involved in many community projects. His passion and commitment to the Maricopa community is inspiring and the Maricopa Unified School District is proud to call Evan one of our own. Evan was recognized at the MUSD Governing Board meeting on March 16 for these accomplishments.