Jaclyn Cohen and Jessica Levine, both seniors at Jericho High School, were recently named two of the top runners-up in the 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a nationwide program honoring young people for exemplary acts of volunteerism. The awards program, now in its 10th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Levine, now a senior at Jericho High School, started a program called Junior SCOPE (School & Community Outreach Program and Events) during her sophomore year. The program is sponsored by the Children's Medical Fund of New York and members work directly with Schneider Children's Hospital as well as other foundations that raise money for childhood diseases such as epilepsy, seizure disorders and juvenile diabetes. Members of the club visit children in the hospital as well as participate in the many fundraisers that are done throughout the year to raise money for the hospital. In addition, members will also volunteer their time participating in the fundraisers done by some of the other foundations.

"It is a great honor being recognized for my work," said Levine.

Cohen was working with the Children's Vision Coalition of New York, which was originally a New York City based non-profit educational and advocacy organization dedicated solely to assuring comprehensive eye care for all New York's children. Together with Rosemary Clemens, CEO of the Children's Vision Coalition, Cohen formed the Long Island Chapter.

Last summer, Cohen went to camps with underprivileged children and screened the children, aged 3-7, and referred those who needed glasses and/or a follow up exam to doctors where they received free care and glasses.

"This program is very worthwhile and I encourage anyone who is interested to join," said Cohen. "It is very exciting to be recognized for my work." Those interested can visit www.childrensvisioncoalition.org for more information.

"Over the past 10 years, we've seen an incredible number of young Americans who have selflessly devoted their time and energy to helping others in their communities," said Arthur F. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. "The volunteer work of this year's honorees is as inspiring as any we've seen, and we are honored to recognize the amazing contributions they've made to their neighborhoods, their cities and our nation."

Since The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards began in 1995, nearly 200,000 young volunteers have submitted applications to the program, and more than 60,000 of them have been officially recognized at the local, state or national level. Many prominent Americans have assisted in saluting these honorees over the years, including Jimmy Carter, Barbara Bush, Magic Johnson, John Glenn, Madeleine Albright, Rudy Giuliani and Whoopi Goldberg. The program is now operating in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as well as in the U.S.

"Year after year I am amazed and humbled by the selfless leadership and generosity demonstrated by these young people," said Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. "We are proud to recognize young people who fully understand the importance of helping others in need."

Based on the number of volunteer hours, Cohen and Levine also qualified for the President's Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities. Nearly 3,500 President's Volunteer Service Awards will be distributed this year on behalf of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is supported by National 4-H Council, Girl Scouts of the USA, American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, Points of Light Foundation, American Association of School Administrators, National Middle School Association, National School Boards Association, Council of the Great City Schools, National School Public Relations Association, and many other national youth and service organizations.

The awards are part of a broad initiative created by Prudential to encourage young people to become involved in community service. Other elements of the initiative include a community leadership training program for high school students, now administered by the Points of Light Foundation; and a variety of educational materials for young people and teachers relating to youth volunteerism.

Both Levine and Cohen will receive engraved bronze Distinguished Finalist medallions to commemorate this prestigious award.