Local 5th grader honored with top youth volunteer award
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS/WCCU) — A 5th-grade student at Fisher Grade School is receiving high praise for her volunteer efforts.
Jordynn Huskisson, 10, of Fisher, was named one of Illinois' top youth volunteers of 2021 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is America's largest youth recognition program based only on volunteer service.
A Chicago teen, Nia Lambert, was the state's other nominee.
Both will get $2,500 scholarships, a silver medallion, and an invitation to the program's virtual national recognition celebration.
Jordynn Huskisson caught the eye of Prudential by launching an initiative that produced fleece tie blankets for more than 500 young cancer patients.
"I didn't know kids could get cancer," she said. "I wanted to do something."
Instead of asking for gifts for her 8th birthday, Jordynn asked for fleece donations.
With help from her friends and mother, she was able to make hundreds of blankets.
"When I give them a blanket and they look at me and smile and say thank you, it melts my heart," Jordynn said.
Jordynn has been delivering the blanket along with stuffed animals and books for the past 2 years.
As of February 2021, she has now made and delivered 679 blankets.
Jordynn was also recently crowned Little Miss of America 2021.
For more information on all of this year's honorees, click here.
