Austin Preparatory School senior Jason Carrier of Wakefield has been chosen as a Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist for his volunteer work.

Carrier, 17, is one of only six young people from Massachusetts selected to receive the Distinguished Finalist honor. Since June, 2012, he has raised nearly $15,000 to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by organizing a charity walk in Wakefield called The Wakefield Lake Walk. Carrier, whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis, secured a group of volunteers and sponsorships, and encouraged more than 200 people to participate in the event, which is now held annually.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the country’s largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. All public and private middle and high schools across the United States, as well as other civic youth organizations, are eligible to nominate a student or member for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Nearly 5,000 local nominees were submitted and reviewed; Distinguished Finalists were chosen based on criteria including personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.   

At Austin Prep in Reading, Carrier is captain of both the Ski and Tennis teams, the public relations officer of the Class of 2013 Student Council, president of the Physics Society, and a member of the following: National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, Classics & Certeman Club (Latin Club), Latin Peer Tutors, Peer Leaders, Drama Club, Ping Pong Club and Intramural Softball.

Carrier so impressed the members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society with his inaugural event that it will be fully sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and called the Wakefield Walk for Multiple Sclerosis from now on. This is the first time the National MS Society has ever promoted a community event to a fully sponsored MS Society event. This year’s walk is Saturday, June 22. People may register for the event or make a donation at http://walkmam.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/MAMWalkEvents?fr_id=20793&pg=entry

Carrier will receive his award during Austin Prep’s Awards Day Ceremonies on Friday, May 3. A representative from Prudential will be on campus to present Carrier with his honor.