Way to Go: Danielle Del Franco

Danielle Del Franco makes the most of her spare time.

The senior at Longwood High School in Middle Island has participated in dozens of extracurricular activities, community fundraisers and other charitable events in recent years. She recently received the Prudential Spirit of Community's 2012 Award Certificate of Excellence and the President's Volunteer Service Award based on her volunteer efforts.

"I like to stay busy -- I don't like staying home doing nothing," said Del Franco, 17. "It's important to me to give back."

Del Franco said her top involvement is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which she began participating in after her mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2004. Last year, she raised funds by helping to drum up ticket sales for the Long Island Ducks and food sales for Friendly's, and then being allocated a portion of those sales.

She is part of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church in Shoreham that meets monthly to make hundreds of sandwiches for local food pantries, and has volunteered at the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged in Uniondale.

Her other involvements include serving as vice president of the school's student government and as varsity volleyball captain.