2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award - only 10 teens selected from across the nation - NAM girl is one!

Ten young Americans were selected in the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program for national recognition based on their outstanding achievements in community service. The National Selection Committee that chose the National Honorees was chaired by some of the country's most prominent people in education, such as the CEO of the Girl Scouts, President of the National 4-H Council, the national chairman of volunteers for the American Red Cross, the list goes on...

However, THAT'S not the point...the point is that one the top 10 is a NAM girl - AMANDA LaMUNYON, who through my numerous posts about her - you most likely know exactly who she is, is ONE OF THEM!!!!! THIS IS HUGEEEEEEE - we're talking this is the HIGHEST level of being honored for community service among teens. AMANDA, who earned a LARGE cash prize and a trip to Washington, where she was presented her Award by Barbara Bush, has been involved with National American Miss for the past few years. Her mom, Sherry, constantly gives credit to NAM for Amanda's "ability to speak in public and her growth in self confidence."

All 10 nominees have been featured with a pic and biography for recognition - here is Amanda's:

Amanda LaMunyon, 14, of Enid , Okla. , an eighth-grader at Oklahoma Bible Academy , performs at charitable events, sells cards and prints of her paintings to raise money for sick children, and draws upon her experience with autism to educate others about the disorder. After Amanda was diagnosed at age 8 with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism, her parents encouraged various activities to find something that would help her focus. Thankfully, they found that I could paint, and I learned to focus on something I loved, Amanda said. She discovered she had the ability to help others when she gave one of her paintings to a former teacher who had cancer and later learned that it had greatly lifted her spirits while she was dying. I couldnt believe something I had done meant so much, she said. This changed the entire direction of my life.

Amanda now paints her impressions of songs she likes, and contributes her artistic, singing, and speaking talents to a wide variety of causes. She has participated in many events for the Childrens Miracle Network and other charities, created a website to sell copies of her artwork for the benefit of childrens health programs (www.amandalamunyon.com), and performed at nursing homes. She also has spoken to United Nations delegates to promote awareness of autism. I do not look at myself as a person with a disability, said Amanda. I see myself as someone with something to give.

Think you have what it takes to earn a 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Award?? I KNOW MANY OF YOU DO!!! So, click HERE to find out how!!!