New Rochelle Student Earns Accolades For Work With Military Families

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – An Alfred Leonard Middle School student has been named as a state medalist by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals for his volunteer work to benefit veterans and their families.

New Rochelle middle school student Jake Gallin shows off his letter naming him one of two New York finalists.
Photo Credit: *@JakeGallin*

The popular star decals Jake crafted can be found on cars throughout New Rochelle.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Zak Failla

02/13/2015 6:00 a.m.

Seventh-grader Jake Gallin, who has raised more than $12,000 for the USO through his “Stars for Cars” initiative, was selected as one of just two finalists – one high school and one middle school student – in the state as one of the top youth volunteers in the country.

Each year, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards celebrates students throughout the country who go above and beyond in the community. Jake, 12, will head to Washington, D.C. later this year, where he has the opportunity to be named as one of the top youth volunteers in the nation.

As an 8-year-old, Jake first started his website, “Stars for Cars,” which sells decals that read “We Support Blue and Gold Military Families” when he saw First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden discussing the sacrifices that military families make each day.

Last year, Jake intensified his efforts, writing more than 7,000 letters to schools officials, government officials and other talking heads, urging them to celebrate military members and their families on Memorial Day, Sept. 11 and Veteran’s Day.

For his hard work, Jake will receive $1,000 from Prudential, an engraved medallion recognizing his volunteer work and a trip in May to Washington. The 100 finalists eventually will be trimmed to 10, who will be named as the country’s top youth volunteers.

This isn’t the first time Gallin has been celebrated for his work with “Stars for Cars.” In 2011, the Board of Legislation honored him Nov. 29, dubbing it “Jake Gallin Day” throughout the county. Last year, State Sen. Andrea-Stewart Cousins offered him a certificate of recognition after reading s statement prepared by the student over his school’s loudspeaker in honor of Veteran’s Day.

“Mrs. Obama reminded the audience that 1 percent of our country is protecting the other 99 percent,” Jake said in a release. “This statistic compelled me to design a star-shaped magnetic decal ion hopes of raising awareness of the sacrifices that these brave families make every day.”

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