St. Cecilia’s School is very proud to announce that Sarah Coutu a 6th grader has been named the top middle school youth volunteer in the State of Rhode Island. She has received the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. This is a nationwide program honoring 2 young people from every state and the District of Columbia for outstanding act of volunteerism. She began by selling craft items, homemade bracelets and cat and dog toys at school. She also opened an online shop on Etsy.com where she sells items for pet shelters. Sarah devotes 15 hours a week to this project. Her project is called "Paws for Life." The money raised helps to buy supplies for animals at four privately funded no-kill shelters. Sarah will receive $1,000.00, an engraved medallion, and a 4 day all-expense trip to Washington, DC where she will have 4 days of national recognition. She will receive her medallion at a dinner at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. She will join 2 honorees from each state and the District of Columbia during her trip to Washington. Because of Sarah’s extensive number of volunteer hours to this project, Sarah will also receive the President's Volunteer Service Award. Sarah will receive a certificate and a letter from the President. Keep up the good work Sarah! You are an inspiration to all of us!