Ellie Zimmerman ’21 has received three important recognitions for her dedication to public purpose and volunteerism. She was named a State Honoree in the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, a President’s Volunteer Service Award winner, and the recipient of Volunteer New York’s Youth Leadership Award.

Ellie is the founder and CEO of the non-profit Interns 4-Good, which has motivated and mobilized thousands of high school students across the U.S. as volunteers who provide technology assistance to nonprofit organizations. In addition, the Interns 4-Good volunteer network has also offered technology, academic, and remote learning support to students, families, and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is America's largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service. In each state, high school and middle level honorees are named, as well as finalists. As New York State’s top High School volunteer of 2021, Ellie will receive a scholarship, a silver medallion, and an invitation to the program's virtual national recognition celebration in April during which 10 of the State Honorees will be named America's top youth volunteers of the year. Ellie is one of 102 State Honorees across the country. Ellie’s commitment to community service and the many hours she has dedicated to her volunteer work have also earned her the President's Volunteer Service Award, saluting those who strengthen the nation and communities through volunteer service.

The Volunteer New York Youth Leadership Award recognizes extraordinary local volunteers, and Ellie was selected for her work leading Interns 4-Good and supporting the Port Chester Carver Center, where she has helped run an after school program, including assisting with the development of online programming during the pandemic. Ellie credits the Carver Center, a longtime RCDS community partner, as the organization that ignited her passion for volunteerism. The Port Chester Carver Center nominated Ellie for the award.

“Congratulations to Ellie on these outstanding recognitions. We are proud of her accomplishments and the many ways she puts the RCDS motto, Not for Self, but for Service, into meaningful action. Ellie is a leader and champion for the greater good and an inspiring example for her peers here at RCDS and beyond.”
— Scott Nelson, Head of School