King Student Danielle Karp '13, of New Canaan, receives prestigious Volunteer Awards

King studnet Danielle Karp ’13, of New Canaan, does not choose to volunteer, but instead makes the effort because it is just part of who she is.  “From the time I was in first grade I always wanted to volunteer and help other people.  I never thought about how it looked or what people would think, it’s just something that I’ve always done,” Danielle said.  Danielle has been awarded The Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and has qualified for President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, by clocking more than 1000 volunteer hours this school year.  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities.  More than 345,000 young people across America have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995.

“I have always had a passion for medicine, and developed a real love of Biology in Grade 9,” she said.  Danielle spends every Thursday evening, 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m., volunteering at the New Canaan EMS, after passing her state tests last year, and also one day a week with special needs children, through various organizations.  “All of my hard work is paying off and I have some great opportunities coming up.  During March break I will shadow a doctor from Yale, and continue to volunteer all summer with the EMS,” Danielle added.   Danielle hopes to study medicine and become an emergency room physician.

The Award letter states, “Especially at this time in our nation’s history, Americans of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can make a positive difference in our communities.  Young volunteers, like Danielle Karp, are inspiring examples to all of us, and are of of our brightest hope for a better tomorrow.”  Congratulations Danielle!