Gahanna Resident Recognized Nationally for Community Service

Ohio Connections Academy senior Vanessa McCoy of Gahanna, is among eight Ohio high school students to be named a “Distinguished Finalist” in the 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

Since 2012 Vanessa has volunteered and raised money in support of the Byron Saunders Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Thanksgiving meals to Central Ohio families. This is the second straight year Vanessa’s volunteer service was recognized through the Spirit of Community program.

In recognition of her outstanding service to the community, Vanessa was presented a Certificate of Excellence and a bronze medallion by Prudential representative Marcus Arnold and Ohio Connections Academy administrators.

“In the two weeks prior to Thanksgiving, I’m typically working every day from noon until 8 p.m. packing food boxes to be delivered to families,” McCoy said. “Attending Ohio Connections Academy gives me the schedule flexibility to volunteer at times when most students would be in school.”

In January Vanessa was awarded a Spirit of Community Certificate of Achievement by Prudential as one of Ohio Connections Academy’s top student volunteers qualifying her as a finalist to be considered for one of Ohio’s two Prudential Spirit of Community State Honorees.

“The faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy are so proud of all the students who give their time and talents and have a positive impact on their communities,” Marie Hanna, OCA Superintendent said. “Vanessa has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a commitment to making our world a better place – she truly deserves this recognition.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Award program was created in 1995 by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to honor middle school and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, American Red Cross, YMCA, HandsOn Network (generated by the Points of Light Institute) and many other national youth, service and educational organizations. Learn more about the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards at http://spirit.prudential.com. For a listing of all the Prudential Award State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists visit https://spirit.prudential.com/honorees/state

Ohio Connections Academy is a free, fully-online virtual public school that students in grades K-12 attend from home. OCA delivers high-quality, personalized education for students that combines certified teachers , a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences—online and in person—to create a supportive environment for children who want an individualized approach to education. More information about Ohio Connections Academy is available at www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com.