Lake Oswego Eighth Grader Among Top Volunteers in the Country

Alisha Zhao, a junior at Lincoln High School in Portland, was named one of the top ten youth volunteers in the country over the weekend by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Zhao was one of 10 students to receive the title of National Honoree, which came with a check for $5,000, a separate $5,000 to go to the charity of her choice, a medallion, and a trophy for her school.

According to the organization, Alisha "created a club at her school to provide services to local homeless people and then founded a nonprofit organization called "kids First Project" to expand her efforts and focus on the needs of homeless youth."

Michael, meanwhile, was honored as a state honoree for his work collecting food and money to help feed hungry Oregon families.

It's estimated he's helped provide more than 10,000 meals through the Oregon Food Bank.