A Knox, Ind., student has been named Indiana's top middle-school-age volunteer for 2009 in the annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Taylor Kemble, 12, will receive $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., in May, where she will meet with other honorees from across the nation.

Taylor was nominated for the award by Knox Community Middle School, where she is in seventh grade. According to a Prudential press release, because her mother had cancer, Taylor volunteers with the Relay for Life program by collecting donations, wrapping flowers and a host of other tasks.

She also volunteers with her church and helps with housekeeping at a nonprofit agency. Taylor's efforts at school include working in the library and school bookstore.

She says the work is fun, and brings happiness to those who need it.

Joining Taylor in Washington will be Alexandra Klaehn, 16, of Fort Wayne. Alexandra, a student at Concordia Lutheran High School, received Indiana's Spirit of Community Award among high school students.

The Prudential program, in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is now in its 14th year.

For information on all of this year’s Prudential Spirit of Community State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists, visit spirit.prudential.com or www.principals.org/prudential.