February 7, 2020

In recognition of their commitment to community service, Dripping Springs High School students Faith Baxter and Carter King have been named "Distinguished Finalists" in the 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Texas program. There were 10 finalists statewide, and both DSHS students will receive a Bronze Medallion and be recognized at a future DSISD Board of Trustees meeting.

Faith Baxter, a senior, is chapter president of the high school FFA and a member of Hays County 4H. With her sister, she co-founded "Center of the Plate," which donated more than 6,400 pounds of meat to families in need after securing the donations from 4-H club members and local grocery stores. Faith helped coordinate the storage of meat by securing freezer space and the distribution to families.

Junior Carter King is president of the DSHS Unified Champions program, a Special Olympics initiative that partners student volunteers with athletes with special needs. Carter has planned activities to enhance participants' athletic and social skills, promoted awareness of his cause, and organized a spirit week that included a Unified Champion basketball game and pep rally. DSHS was recognized as a national Special Olympics Unified Champion School that has an inclusive school climate that exhibits a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all. 

Faith and Carter also have qualified for the President's Volunteer Service Award based on the number of community service hours they have accumulated in high school.

The Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 25th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.