Two North Dakota students have been named among the nation's top volunteers, the state's congressional delegation announced Tuesday.
Lexy Grenier of Grand Forks and Cara Mund of Bismarck were selected as recipients of the 16th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which recognizes them as the state's top youth volunteers for 2011.
As honorees, Grenier and Mund will each receive a $1,000 award and an engraved silver medallion. They also will attend a Washington, D.C., program during the week of April 30 to May 3 that will recognize honorees from across the country.
In a joint statement, Sens. Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Rep. Rick Berg said Grenier and Mund "have made North Dakota proud."
"Cara and Lexy are outstanding young women, true leaders with a passion for public service," the delegation said. "This award recognizes the important work they have done in their communities to help those in need."
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Grenier, 12, is a seventh-grader at Schroeder Middle School who spent four days a week last summer volunteering at the St. Vincent Thrift Store. She also has volunteered at an American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser and served meals for the homeless.
Mund, 17, is a junior at Century High School. She has organized an annual fashion show that has raised more than $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the past three years, enough money to grant the wishes of six children.
Kristen Meland, of Harvey, and Annika Vernon, of Hazen, were named as Distinguished Finalists for the award. They will receive bronze medallions at local ceremonies.
