Portage, IN — Mariah Pol, 14, of Portage has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Mariah Pol participated in the Spirit of Community program this year as a representative of the Portage Township YMCA in Portage where she is a member.

Mariah earned her award by being instrumental in starting a teen led anti-tobacco group called "VOICE" at the Portage Township YMCA. Mariah said, " A "VOICE" group from another town came to the YMCA and introduced themselves and explained what their mission is and asked if we would be interested. I went to some of their meetings and decided to start that same type of group in my own hometown."

Mariah will receive her award at the Portage Township YMCA’s Board Meeting on Thursday evening, April 19th.

For more information on this award - see the complete press release on the news & events page.