Kaitlyn Carberry, a sixth grader at the David E. Owens Middle School, recently received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her exemplary volunteer service.

Kaitlyn spends a great deal of her time clowning with the Smile Factory Clowns and has performed at New Milford Relay for Life, Zana Cares, March of Dimes Walk, It's My Heart, and other charity events. She is also a cadette in the Girl Scouts, and volunteers to help serve Easter dinner at Eva's Kitchen in Paterson.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, this award recognizes young people throughout the country for their "outstanding community service activities." It honors those whose "demonstrated commitment and example," inspire others to volunteer. 

The award was presented by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards on behalf of President Barack Obama. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities.  

Mrs. Whitney Perro, principal of David E. Owens, presented Kaitlyn with her certificate along with Mr. Russell Petrocelli, vice-principal.  

Perro said that she is so proud of the civic responsibility that Kaitlyn has shown and hopes this will motivate others to think about how they can contribute to their community.