Top Texas volunteer calls Lakehill home

By Gigi Ekstrom

Lakehill sophomore Blake Perry (pictured) was recently named a Prudential State Honoree and one of Texas’ top youth volunteers of 2020. Blake advanced to the state level of competition after being selected as Lakehill’s local honoree in November.

Ten Texas students were selected as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities. Each will receive an engraved bronze medallion. Perry is the third student in Lakehill history to be honored as a State Honoree and the first to have been named to the Top Ten.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 25th year, is a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. It is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Perry organized a clothing, shoe and school supply drive to benefit refugee children. He collected, sorted, and delivered more than $12,000 worth of supplies to Catholic Charities in San Antonio. “Middle and high school students are doing remarkable things to shape the future of their communities through volunteer service. They inspire all students and schools to drive learning with real-world challenges,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP.