On Friday, November 22, senior Sierra Goebel was recognized as Evansville Day School’s nominee for the 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Sierra, our Upper School’s Community Service Student Leadership Committee (SLC) chair, will advance to a state-level recognition competition in February to compete for a $1,000 scholarship, silver medallion, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to vie for a $5,000 national award and trophy for our school.

Head of School Kevin Kunst and College Counselor Corrie Sarol nominated Sierra for this award. Mr. Kunst said they chose Sierra because “she is passionate about our school and the greater Evansville community, and she consistently seeks out ways to be a servant-leader.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program's goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. The initiative was established in 1995 and since then has recognized more than 130,000 youth volunteers.

Sierra, when asked about the importance of community service, explained: “Giving back to the community and helping those in need is one of my passions. Community service gives me the opportunity to have an impact on an individual’s life and change it for the better.”

Congratulations to Sierra and good luck in the state competition!