Canterbury Student Earns Presidential Honor for Service

When you receive a letter on White House stationery acknowledging your volunteer service, you must be performing meaningful work for your community.

That is exactly what Maeve Prendergast ’27 has been doing and why she received The President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award—the highest level—from AmeriCorps for her “commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service.” AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The honor arrived at Maeve’s home by mail in a package with a certificate and a letter from The White House over President Joe Biden’s signature.

Maeve was originally certified for the award by Volunteer Scholars, a nationwide network of youth and teens dedicated to community service, scholarship, and leadership.

Her 104.5 hours of service included volunteering at a food bank, working at a local day camp, and taking the trip to Acadia National Park in Maine last spring for Canterbury’s annual Women in Science & Service Trip. “It was extremely rewarding to receive this honor,” Maeve said. “I spent many hours volunteering, and it felt good to know I was making a difference.”

That work has not gone unnoticed by her Canterbury family. “The award speaks volumes to who Maeve is as a person,” said Director of Community Life Elyse “EJ” Soifersmith P ’27, ’27. “She truly cares for others, is a wonderful friend, and is extremely empathetic. She has done so much for the community.”

And now recognition for Maeve’s work has extended to a national level. As President Biden concluded in the award letter to her: “On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is counting on you.” 

Congratulations, Maeve—we know you will continue to make us proud!