For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Lee Rush - 215.538.4796 or lrush@enter.net

Fire Lieutenant McDonald Receives Feryl L. Spanninger Spirit Award

May 2005 (Quakertown, PA) – JustCommunity, a Quakertown-based nonprofit youth organization presented the first annual Feryl L. Spanninger Spirit Award to Jeffrey McDonald, a volunteer firefighter with the Sellersville Fire Department since the age of 15.  The award goes to an 18-25 year old Upper Bucks County young adult who has provided extraordinary service to youth within their community.  The award is presented annually at the justCommunity CARES Benefit Concert. The inaugural event took place on May 1, 2005 at the Sellersville Theatre and featured nationally-known folk singer John McCutcheon.

The award memorializes lifelong Hilltown Township resident Feryl L. Spanninger (1925-2004) for his contributions to the social, educational, emotional and spiritual well-being of our area’s youth.

Jeffrey McDonald serves on the Fire Prevention Committee and performs fire safety programs.  He was recently elected to the office of Sellersville Fire Department Lieutenant, one of the youngest to hold that office.  He participates in all fund raising events/activities of the department.  Jeff participates in scouting as both a Cub and Boy Scout with Sellersville Pack 1 and Troop 1 and serving as patrol leader.  In 2002 he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  He is an active member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church where he is involved in various church activities and events.  Jeffrey currently attends Bucks County Community College and hopes to continue his college education at the University of Maryland, majoring in Fire Protection Engineering.  He anticipates becoming an arson investigator.

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About justCommunity, Inc.

justCommunity, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Quakertown, Pa., which provides consultation, education and training services in the areas of youth development, community mobilization and restorative practices to schools and government agencies.  An affiliate agency of the United Way of Bucks County, justCommunity is the coordinating agency for the Upper Bucks Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth Coalition, a local grass roots group that promotes the 40 developmental assets for youth. For more information, go to www.justcommunity.com or contact Lee Rush at 215.538.4796 or lrush@enter.net.