- National Award, Scholarship, & Washington DC Gala -
Vancouver, WA resident and student at Portland, Oregon's St. Mary’s Academy, Dallas
Jessup (15) was lauded as Washington State's top high school volunteer by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.
Jessup co-wrote and starred in the 2006 film Just Yell Fire as a 14 year old. Dallas created the film to help teen girls escape attackers after watching security camera footage of a missing teen girl taken away by a grown man. The girl was later found murdered.
As a martial arts black belt, Dallas and her coach worked together to develop the simple techniques demonstrated in Just Yell Fire. "We came up with eye-gouges, biting, ear tearing, groin slapping and a few other quick-to-learn strategies that a 100-pound girl could use to get away from a 250-pound attacker," said Dallas. "We also included a Bill of Rights for girls so they know it's okay to stand up for themselves."
The film is available to view free online or as a free download at www.justyellfire.com or as a no-cost DVD. The film has received praise from law enforcement, child safety groups, and parents from 24 countries with 1,450,000 hits on the site since the film's release in October, 2006.
"People as caring and committed as these young students are critical to the future of our neighborhoods, our cities, and our nation," said Arthur Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential.
"By recognizing these honorees, we hope to encourage other young people - our future leaders - and all Americans to think more about the value and importance of volunteering in our communities."
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been honoring young volunteers for 12 years. One high school winner from each state will be flown to Washington DC this May. There, they will join honorees from other states and participate in events including touring the capital's landmarks, attending a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian, and a visit with key Congressional representatives. Jessup also won a $1,000 scholarship and an engraved silver medallion.
