Miscoe Student named State Honoree – Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Megan O’Donovan receives Prudential Spirit of Community Award from Stephen Goudreau of Prudential during last weeks school committee meeting – contributed photo

Miscoe School 7th grader Megan O’Donovan was recognized during last week’s school committee meeting by Prudential for her outstanding volunteerism and service on her project Letterboxing: Exercise & Fun for Everyone.

Megan was not only a recipient but also named a State Honoree by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and will received $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C. for four days of national recognition events. During the trip she will have the opportunity to earn the title of  America’s top youth volunteers of 2015.

Megan earned the award and honor for her “letterboxing” project on the Upper Charles River Trail in Mendon. Stephen Goudreau of Prudential said the project was a fun way to encourage families and kids to walk, run, and ride along the trails. Goudreau quoted an old Irish proverb,  Praise Youth, it will Flourish. “I think this is appropriate,” he said when speaking of Megan’s accomplishment.

Megan said she was introduced to letterboxing through Girls Scouts. Letterboxing is like a scavenger hunt where you find hidden box and then are given clues to find the next box.

“I though that it would be a good way to get people to become more active and have fun while getting exercise,” Megan said.

The most fun part of the project for Megan was going to an activities fair in Milford and spreading the work about letterboxing.

“I feel very honored and excited, but humbled, being on the younger end of the spectrum, to not only represent my community, but also my state in Washington D.C. ” Megan said.  “I am extremely grateful to able to have such a wonderful opportunity,” she said.

Megan said she looks forward to continue with volunteering and participating in more community service projects.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Maruszczak was pleased and proud for Megan who he described as a terrific student and citizen.