Coeur d'Alene High School senior Austin Beals has been selected a Distinguished Finalist in the 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Beals is one of two runners-up to Idaho's two winners in the nationwide program that honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards program, now in its 15th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Idaho winners Graham Ashby of Boise and Kylie Gish of Nampa each receive $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., to join honorees from other states. As runners-up, Beals and Betsy Hinze of Cascade will receive an engraved bronze medallion, a President's Volunteer Service Award certificate and a letter from President Obama.

The son of John and Carrie Beals, Austin was chosen for his extensive involvement with his school and the Coeur d'Alene community. He has mentored freshmen at CHS, assisted the homeless, worked with disabled youth, helped run the children's ministry at his church, volunteered at a camp for foster children, and served with Idaho Drug Free Youth.

Austin recently started a club on campus called "Live Out Loud" (LOL) to provide positive and healthy social opportunities for students. Its first activity will be a March 6 variety show as a benefit for the Lake City Community Church food bank.

Austin said he has always felt a need to give back because God asks that of those who have been blessed in their lives. He said volunteering has enabled him to experience varied opportunities and meet new people, helping him grow as a person and expand his comfort zone.

"To know Austin is an honor," said CHS Principal Randy Russell. "He is wise beyond his years and believes in making the most out of every day. He has deep faith and lives life with compassion and intention. On behalf of the staff at Coeur d'Alene High School, we would like to congratulate Austin and his family for this great award. As he plans for graduation and college, we wish him luck, and trust he will make our community, nation and world better in whatever path he chooses to pursue."

After graduation, Austin plans to take courses at North Idaho College while launching a career that involves helping families make their homes environmentally friendly.