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BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
This weekend, more than 100 students from throughout the nation will arrive in Washington, D. C. These students are recipients of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
N’Jhari Jackson and his mother, Ms. Lashina Lewis-Jackson, will be among those honored. N’Jhari was chosen as one of two state finalists.
In addition to being recognized as a state finalist, N’Jhari was also chosen as one of only four students selected to participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. The ceremony will take place on Sunday morning.
His mother said, “This whole experience has been breath-taking, just leading up to the events that will take place in Washington, D. C. To find out that he was asked to take part in the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery is like Christmas in the spring. Considering his late grandfather was a Purple Heart recipient. It’s an honor for his school, his community, and a personal honor for our family.”
Several years ago, N’Jhari launched a program that provides youngsters having surgery with a stuffed animal to comfort them. He decided to create the program after seeing another child was about to have surgery and his mother had not yet arrived. N’Jhari gave the child his stuffed toy to comfort him. Since that time, he has provided toys to others throughout Florida and neighboring states.
He called the project Pajama Buddy Voyage and continues to provide the stuffed animals donated for the project.
Last October, N’Jhari was chosen as the recipient of a four-year scholarship as the winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. He was recognized by Governor Rick Scott during a visit to Tallahassee.
In 2012, N’Jhari won 2nd place in the Gee Whiz Kids Awards competition. The award was presented in Washington, D.C., and was given by the Heart of America Foundation. He received a certificate, letter, and $150.
However, in February 2015, The Prudential Spirit of Community committee selected 102 students from each state and the District of Columbia, to recognize for their outstanding volunteer service.
Each state honoree will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense paid visit to Washington, D. C. The students chosen for the honor were on middle and high school levels.
While in Washington, the students will tour the local landmarks, meet the youth volunteers from other areas of the country, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and visit their Congressional Representatives on Capitol Hill.
Five middle school students and five high school students from the group will be chosen as America’s top youth volunteers for 2015.
N’Jhari is currently an honor student at Paideia School of Tampa Bay and a member of Men of Vision.
