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Smith, 18, who serves as a board member for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, was honored for creating a hands-on, interactive exhibit to teach children about the importance of emergency preparedness.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is the largest U.S. youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.
Smith has displayed her exhibit at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk and at a local firehouse, sharing her message with more than 500 people.
Smith, who was motivated to create this project after Hurricane Sandy, built four different stations for her exhibit, with topics such as personal preparedness kits, family preparedness kits, family meeting places and online resources.
Her house has lost power multiple times, and when the power goes out, her family loses water. They have learned to be thoroughly prepared, and Smith has created a preparedness kit for her family.
She earned her Girl Scout Silver Award with a project focused on teaching preparedness and outdoor skills, such as building fires, tying knots, and pitching tents, to younger Girl Scouts. The event was called Brownie Outdoor Skills Day.
She is certified in fFirst Aid and CPR, and as a waterfront lifeguard and also is a Girl Scout senior outdoor specialist.
In addition to her work with the Girl Scouts, Bridget volunteers at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, and she was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award – Silver Level in 2012.
She is an ambassador Girl Scout who also serves as a 2014 Youth Preparedness Council Member for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This project was part of her work as a member of the FEMA council.
“Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these remarkable young volunteers,” Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld said of the students. “By shining a spotlight on the difference they’ve made in their communities, we hope others are inspired to volunteer, too.”
State honorees and distinguished finalists were selected based on criteria including personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.
“These students have not only improved their communities through their exemplary volunteer service, but also set a fine example for their peers,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. “Each of their stories is proof of the impact one young person can have when they decide to make a difference.”
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