Staples Junior Ben Reiser has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Superintendent of Schools office announced.
Ben Reiser: “I knew I was doing the right thing.” Contributed photo
The award, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. It was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Obama.
Ben earned his award by speaking out at a local and national level against teen drinking, including writing an opinion piece for the Staples newspaper Inklings.
Upon getting his license, Ben volunteered hours of his time at SafeRides, a student-run and organized program dedicated to providing safe rides home to Westport students on Saturday nights.
One of the main purposes of SafeRides is to reduce drunk driving and to encourage students to recognize and seize an alternative to driving home after drinking.
Speaking out against teen drinking took courage. “In my mind and soul, I knew I was doing the right thing,” Ben said. “But in my gut, I was pretty sure I was going to throw up. …A sarcastic death threat arrived in my Gmail within a day of the opinion piece being uploaded to our newspaper’s website.”
The website has been viewed thousands of times from people all over the world.
John Dodig, principal of Staples High School, said he is very proud of Ben for his courage and commitment to this cause.
“Not too many high school kids are eager to face the wrath of their peers for taking a stand unpopular to the many” said Dodig.
“Demonstrating civic responsibility through community volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”
