Viewpoint student honored for service

Amanda Martin of Calabasas, a senior at Viewpoint School, was presented with a bronze medallion to signify her as a Distinguished Finalist in the 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, which honors outstanding youth volunteers.

The presentation took place during an awards assembly on Wed., March 19 in the Carlson Family Theater at Viewpoint School.

Martin was honored for her founding of a jewelry business called Pick Me that gives 100 percent of its proceeds to a variety of charitable causes. She has been able to donate more than $12,000 to UNICEF, the Heifer Organization, OXFAM, the American Red Cross and other charities by creating and selling earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from guitar picks.

Martin also leads an annual "Campaign Against Tobacco" week at her school and helped a school chapter of Students Against Drunk Driving.

The awards program, sponsored in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is part of a broad initiative created by Prudential Financial to encourage young people to become involved in community service.