The spirit of volunteerism runs strong throughout Grand County, and one young Middle Park High School girl exemplifies that, taking it upon herself to selflessly serve other members of her community.

Emily Jensen is a freshman at MPHS who was recently awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award, presented by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The award was presented on behalf of President Barack Obama.

Jensen received the award for her volunteer work on the Obstacle Run, Dinner and Silent Auction held last year in support of the Mountain Family Center. Emily worked to help plan and organize the fundraiser. The volunteer work for which Jensen won her award was done while the young lady was an eighth-grader at East Grand Middle School.

The Obstacle Run, Dinner and Silent Auction was a civic project undertaken by eighth-graders at EGMS last year; part of an annual service learning project conducted under the tutelage of EGMS teacher Abby Loberg.

Along with her volunteer work Emily stays busy with other extracurricular activities at MPHS. She is involved in girls soccer, the Knowledge Bowl team and participates in Nordic skiing.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. According to their website the award is intended to, “honor Americans who, by example, inspired others to engage in volunteer service.”

To be eligible to receive the award Emily was required to log between 75 and 99 hours of volunteer service during a 12-month period. She received an official certificate and a congratulator letter from the President.