CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), today congratulated West Virginia students Molly Runner of Bridgeport and Emily Carothers of Meadow Bridge for being selected as the nation's top youth volunteers for 2021, in the 26th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Molly is a senior at Bridgeport High School who helped organize and lead a suicide prevention club and program and developed a free after-school mental health support group for fellow West Virginia teenagers. Emily is an eighth-grader at Meadow Bridge High School who planted an organic vegetable garden at her local library that provides fresh produce to her community. Both Molly and Emily will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an engraved silver medallion and an invitation to the program’s virtual recognition event.
“It is because of outstanding young servant leaders like Molly and Emily that West Virginia’s future is a bright one,” Senator Capito said. “Their volunteer work is bringing about real change in our communities by tackling important issues such as mental health and hunger. On behalf of all West Virginians, I want to thank them for their selfless efforts and congratulate them on this remarkable achievement.”
“West Virginians know how important it is to reach out a helping hand to our fellow West Virginians in need, and I am incredibly proud of Molly and Emily for giving back to their communities. Emily and Molly are shining examples of what it means to be a West Virginian and I congratulate them both on being selected as West Virginia’s top youth volunteers for 2021,” said Senator Manchin. “Young people like Molly and Emily are the future of West Virginia and set a wonderful example for each and every one of us.”
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