Jake Brody, a senior at Glenelg Country School, has been named one of the state's top six volunteers in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

The Laurel resident is a finalist in the nationwide competition for his efforts to raise awareness about juvenile diabetes.

"It's great to be nominated for anything that gets my project out to the greater public," the 17-year-old said. "It's very prestigious and to be considered in the applicant pool is pretty great."

In 2006, Brody launched the Happy Fund in honor of a young African girl named Happy who died because she could not test her blood sugar. The teenager learned of Happy when he read about her death in the book Young Voices. He was so moved by the tale of the 5-year-old girl from Tanzania that he decided to do something about it. The anecdote hit close to home for Brody, who was diagnosed three years ago with Type 1 diabetes.

Brody collects unused, unexpired blood glucose testing materials for pediatric clinics in Africa and has gathered almost 200 meters and supplies.

"I knew that here in America we are fortunate to have a meter and a backup meter," he said. "Drug companies are always sending out free samples. I thought, why not put this technology to a good cause?"

Last year, Brody was able to connect with the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which agreed to transport the supplies to a clinic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also has raised $18,000 for juvenile diabetes research by participating in the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes.

David Weeks, the civic leadership director for Glenelg Country School, nominated Brody for the award.

"He's really done a remarkable job," Weeks said. "Here's someone who gives because it is the right thing to do. He finds great satisfaction in this."

This is the latest accolade for Brody, who was nominated for the 2008 Governor's Award and the 2008 Howard County Youth Volunteer Award. Last year, he received the Unsung Hero Award given by The Sun and the Creig Northrop Team.

"I want to encourage people like that, and I want them to be recognized by others," Weeks said. "He's a true giver. He has a sunny disposition. He truly gives from the heart. He cares to make a positive difference in a selfless way."

Honeywell scholars

Andrea Lora, 17, a junior at Atholton High School, traveled to Washington last week to be a part of the Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom program.

The program, which provided 428 students representing 31 countries and 31 states the opportunity to meet with members of Congress, presidential appointees, senior military officers, and top business leaders. The participants took part in discussions about current issues of global concern, according to Honeywell Hometown Solutions.

Lora, who is interested in biotechnology, applied to the program after hearing about it from her mother.

"I wanted to see what it is like in the real world," she said. "I wanted to learn about biotechnology today and what is really going on in the world."

Lora was chosen after submitting an essay to Honeywell informing organizers about her aspirations.

"To meet people from around the world will be cool," said Lora, who is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Atholton High lacrosse team, the M&D; lacrosse travel team and the Maryland and Atholton environmental clubs.

"What better way to get the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math than to put them in touch with inspirational leaders in those fields," Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, said in a statement.

john-john.williams@baltsun.com