Barrington students honored for efforts to feed the hungry

Two Barrington High School students have received recognition from the largest youth recognition program in the United States based exclusively on volunteer community service.

Sophomore Carson Pazdan was one of two state honorees for this year's Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Barrington High junior Morgan Larson was named a distinguished finalist by the program that was created in 1995 by Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Carson, 16, of Barrington, was recognized for raising at least $150,000 and collecting thousands of pounds of food over the past nine years to feed the hungry by publishing a children's cookbook and conducting other fundraising activities.

He launched and runs the nonprofit Kids Feeding Kids Club, which Prudential noted has assisted the Cuba Township food pantry.

Morgan, also 16 and from Barrington, is founder and operator of the nonprofit "60010 Feeds Kids," which has raised about $20,000 and at least 80,000 meals for 2,600 children across the world experiencing food insecurity, according to the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

The program honors middle and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state and national level.