Viewpoint senior vies for Prudential Award

Amanda Martin Viewpoint School senior Amanda Martin has been named one of the top runnersup in the 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Martin is one of the 234 students nationwide, and the 12 in California, recognized as distinguished finalists for their community service activities. She will receive an engraved bronze medallion later this spring.

In 2004, Martin founded a jewelry business called Pick Me that gives 100 percent of its proceeds to a variety of charitable causes, such as UNICEF, the Heifer Organization, OXFAM and the American Red Cross.

Martin is president of the Community Service Honor Society at Viewpoint School, which leads an annual Campaign Against Tobacco, and established Viewpoint's chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle and high school for outstanding volunteer service to their communities.