Three Montgomery County Public Schools have been honored for outstanding community service programs in the first-ever Marriott Spirit to Serve Awards for Outstanding Schools.

The awards were created by Volunteer Partnership Montgomery, with sponsorship from Marriott International, to recognize volunteers and schools that demonstrate a high standard of excellence that inspires other Montgomery County citizens to serve their communities.

The MCPS schools honored at the April 11 event were:

* Darnestown Elementary School, for its work with children in the Dwelling Place, a homeless shelter.

* Roberto Clemente Middle School, for its efforts to raise money, purchase gifts and deliver them to sick children at two area hospitals.

* Poolesville High School, for the Senior Citizens' Prom to bridge the generation gap with dinner, dancing and fun.

Marriott International donated $500 to each school and a banner designating their status as award-winning schools in community service.

In the volunteer category, SPARK (Students Practicing and Respecting Knowledge), a mentoring and tutoring program founded by two parents at Kensington Parkwood Elementary School, was honored. The program helps students at risk and is supported by the school, parents and volunteers for the neighboring community.

Volunteers of the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation, Inc., and Interages also were among the groups receiving citations.

Superintendent Jerry D. Weast joined county executive Douglas Duncan, County Council president Michael Subin and congresswoman Connie Morella to honor the outstanding schools.