AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Matthew Draeger, 15, of Paris and Eric Curl, 14, of Flower Mound today were named Texas’ top two youth volunteers of 2013 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Matthew was nominated by Paris Independent School District in Paris, and Eric was nominated by Shadow Ridge Middle School in Flower Mound. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 18th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The program judges also recognized 10 other Texas students as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities. Each will receive an engraved bronze medallion.

Distinguished Finalists for 2013

Jordan Hayley, 14, of Houston, Texas, a freshman at Cypress Christian School, founded “Kids4RTRoops,” an organization that she branched off from another group she founded four years ago, the nation’s first-ever “USO Kids” organization. Jordan and her group of young volunteers have helped to raise thousands of dollars to support wounded veterans, special events, and military homecomings for soldiers and their families.