With no idea what was going on, Zach Librizzi just offered a confused “thank you” when his principal at St. Raphael Academy, Dan Richard, came up to him in the hallway offering his congratulations and a hug.

Unbeknownst to him, Zach, 17, had been one of two Rhode Island students to be awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The school had received the letter of recognition before Zach, so when the letter was inevitably delivered a few days later the odd meeting in the hallway all made sense.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes middle and high school students from across the country for incredible community volunteerism. Since the program began in 1995 with a partnership between Prudential Insurance and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, more than 115,000 students have been recognized. The two state honorees receive a $1,000 scholarship, an engraved medallion as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for a national recognition ceremony.

Richard said that nominating Zach was “pretty easy.” Since he began high school, Zach has acquired more than 300 hours of volunteer work not only through his school and church, but also with initiatives begun by himself and his family. Richard noted that Zach is a hard working and committed to every facet of his life, not just in volunteerism.

“Zach’s work is far superior to most high school students,” Richard said. “Here at St. Ray’s we love to see young men of character succeed and be recognized for their accomplishments. He a great young man and very deserving of this honor.”

Zach serves as a Eucharist minister for St. Kevin Church; there he also sets up bingo for parishioners, has spoken to the entire congregation and the Catholic Charity Fund about the importance of a Catholic education, and also serves as a youth leader for the churches confirmation retreat.

At St. Raphael Zach, who plays both varsity hockey and lacrosse, volunteers at St. Joseph Soup Kitchen; he also volunteers as a mentor at a youth hockey camp, which was this past weekend, helping younger children learn to skate and play.

Most of Zach’s volunteer service though is involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

At only 10 months old Zach was diagnosed with diabetes and has been sharing his story ever since.

His father, Chris Librizzi, began the JDRF Tee Up Golf Tournament, 14 years ago which benefits the JDRF. Zach has not only solicited donations and auction items, sending letters and volunteering the day of, but for the past 10 years of the tournament, Zach has been the main guest speaker. He advocates for research and awareness of the disease. Since its inception the tournament has been able to raise $1.2 million for JDRF. One day Zach plans to take over as chairman of the event for his father.

Similarly, in 2005 Zach started his own walk for the JDRF, which has been able to raise more than $75,000 for the foundation. Zach has volunteered in numerous capacities to speak with younger children with a diabetes diagnosis; he is involved in a JDRF Committee, The Bag of Hope, through which Zach visits young children, newly diagnosed, with a bag filled with a teddy bear, facts about diabetes, a medical bracelet and insulin meter. He sits with them and discusses life with diabetes as a mentor. He similarly works as a youth leader at a diabetes youth retreat.

“I like to relay my story to younger kids to let them know they aren’t alone,” Zach said. “I want to show them it hasn’t held me back and it doesn’t have to for them either. They can go on to do whatever they want. They don’t have to let this diagnosis define them.”

Zach doesn’t share his story for pity, but rather to spread awareness and to possibly help another with the same diagnosis, especially those who may not have anyone to relate to. Zach didn’t have a similar role model and is happy to provide that, knowing how much it would have meant to himself growing up.

Zach’s parents Chris and Nazria Librizzi, are very proud of their son, and his inclination to service, a characteristic Zach himself attributes to his parents. The family lives in Cowesett.

His mother noted that through his volunteerism, Zach has developed amazing self-confidence as well as communication and public speaking skills.

“He set a goal his freshman year to reach 300 hours, not to see him on the forefront of achieving that is amazing,” Chris said.

Both parents agreed that with several more months left in the school year Zach is more likely to reach between 325 and 350 hours of service before he graduates.

From April 3rd until May 3rd, Zach will be traveling to Washington D.C. to meet the other Prudential award winners, to of course volunteer as well as attend a national recognition ceremony.

Zach has also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, because of just how many hours he has dedicated and is awaiting a letter from the President Barack Obama in congratulations.

While in Washington D.C., 10 National honorees will be chosen from the 102 Prudential state winners. Those who win the award will receive a $5,000 scholarship as well as a secondary $5,000 to be donated to the charity of their choice.

After graduation Zach will be attending Roger Williams University to study Criminal Justice to hopefully become a state trooper. He intends to continue his volunteering after high school and is already planning a charity street hockey tournament for this summer to benefit diabetes research.

“It’s a huge honor to be recognized. I’ve grown up giving back to others,” Zach said. “It’s worth it to volunteer, just to better someone else’s life.”