Joey Rizzolo, 13, of Paramus NJ was named one of America's top ten youth volunteers for 2008 in a ceremony on 5/5/08 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, receiving a national Prudential Spirit of Community Award for his outstanding volunteer community service. Selected from a field of close to 20,000 applicants across the country, he received a personal award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for his school, and a $5,000 grant from the Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit Charitable organization of his choice. (the Paramus Freedom Walk)
The Secretary of Defense has awarded The Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service to Joey Rizzolo on 5/6/08. This award was given to Joey for exceptional public service in the support of the Armed Forces of the United States and the America Supports You program.
Background information on Joey Rizzolo
Joey, a 7th grader at East Brook Middle School, organized a "Freedom Walk" in his town last September that drew more than 450 local residents to join in remembering the lives lost on 9/11 and thank first responders, US service members and veterans. Joey has been involved for several years in a program that sends "goody bags" to servicemen and women. When Joey heard plans for a Freedom Walk in Washington, D.C..,to honor 9/11 victims, he decided that one should take place in his town, too. "My town suffered great losses on September 11," explained Joey. "Even though six years have passed the hurt still lingers."
After obtaining the approval of town and school officials, Joey recruited a faculty sponsor and student volunteers, and formed a committee to help him plan a school assembly, make presentations to other schools and community groups, find a location for the event and promote it. Joey and his committee also planned the program, rented tents and other equipment, arranged for food and refreshments, and raised more than $7,000 to defray costs. "It was an emotional and uplifting experience," said Joey. Over 450 people gathered together to remember, reflect and renew their commitment to Freedom and the values that make America strong"
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