Whiz Kid: Kelly Ejnes Links Community

While most teens might waste their time online watching Youtube videos, playing games or updating their Facebook status for the trillionth time, Kelly Ejnes, of West Hempstead, found a way to use to the Internet to better the social network that matter's most to her - her local community.

A senior at West Hempstead High School, Ejnes created the Web site, CivicVolunteer.com, a digital tool for young volunteers in her neighborhood to find community service projects in the area. It's a creative way of easily connecting West Hempstead students with charitable causes that need their help - and vice versa.

Ejnes' contribution to the World Wide Web along with the rest of her outstanding community service work, recently earned her this year's Youth Humanitarian Award from the Nassau County PTA, which is given in memory of Stanley Marcus. 

The purpose of this award is to recognize a junior or senior who best exemplifies the humanitarian principles of Marcus, who is remembered for his humanitarianism and dedication to youth through zealous volunteer community service.

The award was presented to Ejnes during a special ceremony at the Annual PTA Spring Conference by Judy Van Haaren, Nassau PTA Region Director and Lawrence Johnson, PTA Awards Chair.

Kelly plans to continue her involvement in community service while attending Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., where she plans to major in comparative psychology.