Biloxi High School senior William Lammons has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President's Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of 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.

Lammons participated in the Spirit of Community program this year as a representative of Biloxi High School.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities.

Nearly 250,000 young people across the country have been considered for these awards since the program began in 1995.

"The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities," said Arthur F. Ryan, chairman of Prudential Financial. "They truly deserve all the praise and encouragement we can give them."

"NASSP is proud to honor them as they are wonderful examples of the high caliber of young people in our nation's schools today," said Gerald Tirozzi, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Program applications were distributed last September through all public and private middle and high schools, Girl Scout councils, 4-H organizations, American Red Cross Chapters, YMCAs, and Volunteer Centers. After local honorees were named, state-level judges selected state honorees, distinguished finalists and certificate of excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.