Local Students Presented Presidential Award

Two freshmen girls at Pennsbury High School were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award for both of their work with needy children, both domestic and abroad.

The award was presented in March to the two girls, Bethany Gartner and Neha Gupta, by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barrack Obama.

Bethany Gartner, a ninth grader at Pennsbury, was given the service award due to her work at local food banks in the area as well as her regular volunteer services with her church, St. Joseph the Worker.

Neha Gupta, also a ninth grader, was recognized for her charitable works with Empower Orphans -- a charitable group she founded. Empower Orphans, conceived by Gupta when she was just nine, aims to assist orphans and underprivileged children abroad. Since its inception, Gupta has raised over $62,000 in charitable donations, which have been used to purchase clothing, school supplies, dental care, three libraries, a computer center and a science lab to impoverished children and their schools worldwide.

"All of us here at Pennsbury wish to thank Neha and Bethany for their dedicated service and volunteerism," Principal of Pennsbury High School Lisa Becker said in a news release. "Both young ladies exemplify the true spirit of giving and each has demonstrated a profound concern for others."

In addition to the President's Volunteer Service Award, Gupta also won second place in the Wachovia National Philanthropic Award in 2008, the Philadelphia 76ers Hometown Hero Award, as well as being of the finalists of 2009 Citizen of the Year.

Readers who wish to learn more about Empower Orphans or donate to its cause can visit its website.