Bellarmine student Ajay Mallya ‘21 has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a Certificate of Excellence from The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program that honors youth volunteers nationwide for outstanding volunteer service.
Mallya, an accomplished musician who last summer traveled as a member of the National Youth Orchestra USA, was recognized for tutoring and teaching violin to local middle school students.
“Ajay’s passion for sharing his gifts and talents with others stands out,” said Kristina Luscher, Bellarmine principal. “He uses his musical talents to spread joy throughout the community.”
Mallya, who is a Cupertino resident, also led efforts to secure funding and donations of instruments for the string program established at Sacred Heart Nativity School in San Jose, where he and a fellow Bellarmine student provide weekly lessons.
“When I consider the work Ajay does in instructing younger students and creating music programs … I believe he represents the epitome of the Bellarmine motto of being a ‘man for and with others,’” said Steve Pinkston, Christian Service Program director at Bellarmine.
The awards program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), grants Certificates of Excellence to the top ten percent of all applicants in each state and the District of Columbia.
“Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Charles Lowrey, Prudential chairman and CEO. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer, too.”
Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools and nonprofit organization members which, in turn, nominated local honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth.