One of them picks up trash at a park near her school. Another has volunteered the last two summers as a translator at a hospital. The third is involved in anti-bullying efforts.

Gwinnett County school officials announced Wednesday three students have been honored with the district’s first Promise of Gwinnett Caring Awards. The students are:

  • Jessica Elizabeth Stanhouse, a fifth-grader at Arcado Elementary School.
  • Ashley Paige Richardson, an eighth-grader at Couch Middle School.
  • Michelle Derewitz, a senior at Lanier High School.

Stanhouse is involved in her school’s No Place for Hate Student Coalition and helps a World War II veteran.

Richardson was honored for efforts such as removing trash on her own from a park near her school. She also helps classmates with their homework.

Derewitz posts notes of encouragement around the school. She’s also volunteered as a translator at a hospital in South Korea the last two years.

The idea for the awards came from a Gwinnett school counselor who remembered receiving a similar award when he was a student and wanted to celebrate students who help others.