(Washington, D.C.) - Montana's U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today Alyssa McCrossin, 13, of Hamilton, was named one of Montana's top 2011 youth volunteers by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program conducted by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals to honor young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.  McCrossin was selected from students across the state along with Kelsey Weyerbacher, 17, of Kinsey, to represent Montana at national recognition events in Washington D.C. in May where ten finalists will be named America's top youth volunteers.  As state honorees, McCrossin and Weyerbacher will also receive a $1,000 and engraved silver medallions.

"I join all Montanans in sharing how very proud I am of these fine Montana students," Baucus said.  "We're really just one big small town here in Montana, and when we help our neighbors, we help ourselves. These kids truly embody that spirit.  Their service is making our state and our world a better place and they are an inspiration and example for all of us."

"Montana was built by neighbors helping neighbors, and Alyssa is an inspiring example of that tradition," Tester said. "I congratulate  Alyssa on being named a top youth volunteer for our country and encourage all young Montanans to follow her example of giving back to the communities they call home."

McCrossin was nominated by Ravalli County 4-H and volunteers for the Community Cooking Connections program that provides a free meal to needy members of the community. Weyerbacher was nominated by Custer County District High School in Miles City, where she is currently a senior and played a leading role in the formation of the  student-run group PRIDE.

The  program judges also recognized two other Montana students, Terry Biere, 17, of Butte, and Cassidy Cook, 18, of Bozeman as Distinguished

Finalists for their impressive community service activities.  Each will receive an engraved bronze Medallion.

More information on the award and the Montana students' inspiring volunteerism is available The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards press release here. 

Contact: Kate Downen (406) 224-5056/Jennifer Donohue (202) 224-2651/Kathy Weber (406) 657-5915

Aaron Murphy (406) 252-0550/Andrea Helling (202) 228-0371 (Tester)

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