Ursuline
Educational Services
Student Service Recognition Program
2013-2014
Act, bestir yourselves, have faith, make efforts, have hope,
Cry aloud to him with all your heart; then without any doubt,
you will see marvels, if you direct everything towards
the praise and the glory of his Majesty and the good of souls.
(intro to the Counsels)
January 2014
Dear Students, Friends and Co-Workers in Ursuline Education,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Ursuline Educational Services, I am so pleased to
send you this report detailing the community service of the students who have
received the UES 2014 Service Awards. These outstanding young women and men are
students in 15 Ursuline sponsored and affiliated schools and colleges:
Academy of Mount St. Ursula, Bronx, New York
Beaumont School, Cleveland, Ohio
Chatfield College, St. Martin, Ohio
Sacred Heart Academy, Louisville, Kentucky
Saint Ursula Academy, Cincinnati, Ohio
Saint Ursula Academy, Toledo, Ohio
Saint Ursula Villa, Cincinnati, Ohio
The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, New York
Ursuline Academy, Dallas, Texas
Ursuline Academy, Dedham, Massachusetts
Ursuline Academy, New Orleans, Louisiana
Ursuline Academy, St. Louis, Missouri
Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Delaware
Ursuline College, Cleveland, Ohio
Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Cleveland, Ohio
These students have served in a myriad of ways, benefitting so many worthwhile
causes. It is truly heartwarming to read the accounts of their service. They exhibit
strong leadership, courage, ingenuity and compassion. They have made significant
contributions to the betterment of our world already in their young lives. We can only
imagine what they will continue to do as they mature “ in wisdom, age, and grace.”
They are living testimony to the value of an Ursuline education. Our gratitude and
admiration goes out to their first teachers, their parents, and to the administrators,
faculty and staff of their schools who serve as guides and inspiration to them. We are
confident that St. Angela is pleased with their actions and their faith. All of us are
witnesses to the marvels that these students have brought about by their selfless
service.
Sincerely,
Judith A Wimberg
Director, Ursuline Educational Services
Service Awards, 2013-14
Academy of Mount Saint Ursula
Bronx, New York
Misha Alyas
Senior
Nominated by:
Sister Alice Marie Giordano, OSU;
Service Coordinator at AMSU
Misha has been very faithful in helping at Serviam Gardens, where she has developed
her social skills by concentrating on those who need someone to talk to rather than her
natural shyness. This service is important to our school community because this
housing complex was built on our property and we want to maintain a special
relationship with the people who live there.
Describe your service: I visit residents of Serviam Gardens, an apartment building on
our campus occupied mainly by senior citizens. Many of the residents do not have
visitors so I help by talking and playing games with them.
What difference does your service make? The biggest effect of my service is making
people happy, which I consider a noble deed. As they tell me stories about their
families and their younger days, I realize that it makes a difference to have someone
listen to them. I find myself staying longer than I planned because it seems to matter so
much.
How is the service important in your life? This service is important in my life
because it has made me a better person. I can relate better to others and understand
their emotions because of this experience. I really enjoy listening to others and making
them the center of attention. It is a very comfortable setting where I learn a great deal.
Sorinil Barea
Senior
Nominated by:
Sister Alice Marie Giordano, OSU
Sorinil has given over 200 hours of service and has shared her experience with the
whole school community. The service she describes here is only one of the
organizations she assists. Wherever she servers she enters into activities
wholeheartedly and helps clients feel how important they are to her.
Describe your service. Three times a week for over two years I have volunteered in
the office at the Institute for the Puerto Rican Heritage and Elderly (IPRHE). I have
helped the elderly complete applications for citizenship and benefits. Sometimes we
work with immigration issues.
What difference does your service make? IPRHE changes the lives of many who do
not know how to get the services they need by helping them accomplish their mission,
I have become well-known in my community and the people I have worked with
always greet me with gratitude. I am often asked to help and I never hesitate to
respond since I love doing the work.
How is the service important in your life? By helping the Institute I have learned so
much and have strengthened my speaking skills. I feel humbled by the experience
because I see how many needs other people have, I have grown in love of my country
and am so happy to help others become citizens, which enhances the well-being of our
country.
Melvina Amamoo and Janai Williams
Seniors
Nominated by:
Sister Alice Marie Giordano, OSU
Melviana and Janai spent a month of their summer break in the People to People
Program. They travelled to Italy and lived with families in the city of Lucca. By teaching
them the history of the country and the customs of the people, the program helped
them reach a better understanding of the people, not only in terms of language but also
in terms of appreciation of global diversity.
Describe your service. We lived with a family in Lucca, Italy and learned to
communicate with them through laughter, sign language and sometimes google
searches. By experiencing what wonderful people they were, and how they related to
each other and their friends we learned to respect and appreciate them and came to
love them. Together we cleaned up a large park in Florence and while we felt good
about that accomplishment, the fact that we grew together in the process meant even
more.
What difference did your service make? The people of the area were able to admire
the beauty of the park and the surrounding community learned about recycling trash.
Our common love for nature and cleanliness brought us closer. The fact that we shared
life with our hosts and others enriched us all.
How is the service important in your life? We were able to give to the community,
providing them with a cleaner environment. The cleanliness of the park was important
to us because we didn’t like the idea of little children having to play in a dirty, trash
filled environment.
The experience of sharing life with families in Italy was important too. We came to
realize how hard they had to work without the benefits we take for granted, like
clothes washers. They offered us food and shelter and the warmth of friendship. We
understand now that they are not very different from us.
Beaumont School
Cleveland Heights, OH
Grace Brandon
Sophomore
Nominated by:
Mrs. Sue Riley,
Campus Minister/Service Coordinator at Beaumont School
Grace distinguished herself in her freshman year by giving countless hours of service.
Her dedication to helping children bespeaks a gift for the young that can benefit Grace
herself and the children under her care.
Describe your service. I volunteer at a local summer camp, Summer Ruffing It, a
camp I attended during my grade school years. The camp is in session five days a
week, from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. I assist a teacher/leader in classes on arts and crafts,
writing and physical activity. If a student requires personal attention, I work with that
student.
What difference does your service make? The teacher/leaders appreciated having
volunteers helping them. The campers like having someone close to their age to look
up to for guidance and understanding. The students who need special attention gain a
greater understanding of the task at hand. This will benefit them in further education.
How is this service important in your life? I learned how to work with children,
which was a new experience for me. I also learned how to work and compromise with
all different kinds of people. It was uplifting to see how each day I made the lives of the
teachers and the campers better doing my volunteer activity.
Christina Ciofani
Junior
Nominated by:
Mrs. Sue Riley
It is rewarding to see a student who has a passion for something and also chooses to
share it with others who could benefit greatly from the experience. Christine has such
a passion, the arts; and in particular, drama. She has taken what she loves and has
shared it with young people who would otherwise not have the experience. Christine
offers her time, talent and treasures to those who might not otherwise have the chance
to experience the joy of the theatrical world!
Describe your service. At Mercury Summer Stock, I volunteered with “My First
Musical” which provides free admittance to underprivileged children to the shows
produced at the Mercury Summer Stock. Without this help, the children would not
have exposure to the arts. I operate a spotlight for the shows, work concessions,
welcome guests, and assist the children.
What difference does your service make? Mercury Summer Stock appreciates the
volunteer support. My service also helped the children who are happy to have a
smiling face guide them through the theater and onto the stage to join the cast in
singing and dancing.
How is the service important in your life?
The service was important to me because theater is my passion and practically my life.
Knowing that some children would not experience it in their lives made me sad and
upset. I was glad to be able to share the gift of theater with today’s youth and see their
amazement at the art. The hope of inspiring some children to pursue and participate in
the arts was also important to me, and I feel that I accomplished that, which is very
rewarding. Seeing the huge grins on their faces when they went up on stage was an
experience I will never forget. I hope to work with the program again next summer.
Jessica Fink
Senior
Nominated by:
Mrs. Sue Riley
Jessica has done an outstanding job in offering her time and talents to the greater
community. She has earned over 600 hours of service because she is willing to put the
needs of others before her own, in a quiet, gentle way. I think Jessica is a model of a
young woman of St. Angela, responding to the call to service where she sees the need.
Describe your service. I volunteer at The Fine Arts Association and at my parish, St.
Francis of Assisi. At The Fine Arts Association, I am an assistant in the ballet classes,
where I love sharing my passion for dance. For the past two summers, I also worked at
a theatre arts camp where children in grades 4 through 10 come to share their love for
the arts. My service there consists of coordinating the annual dance recital, set
building, service days and other camp activities.
I am involved in the Parish School of Religion at my parish since I was a freshman. I
started as an assistant to the teacher in the 3rd grade classroom, moved to the 6th grade
and am now the lead catechist for a 5th grade class. I also assist with meetings for 8th
grade Confirmation candidates and the 2nd grade Reconciliation and First Communion
candidates.
What difference does your service make? I hope that my service makes a difference
in the community. I hope that those I serve recognize that people do care and are
willing to reach out and help. My ultimate wish is to bring happiness and joy into the
lives of those I serve. I have been taught to give my time, talents and treasure to help
others, as these gifts have been bestowed upon me to be shared with others.
How is the service important in your life?
St. Angela Merici’s First Counsel says: You have more need to serve others than they
have to be served. This saying inspires me to help others no matter what the task.
Through all of my service work, I have learned that helping others allows them to help
themselves. I love to see the smiles on the faces of others. Seeing these smiles brings
me happiness, which is what service is truly about. I hope to inspire people through
my participation in service so that they might be inspired to use their unique gifts to
participate in service to others, continuing the circle of giving which brings great
happiness.
Dia Jones
Senior
Nominated by:
Mrs. Sue Riley
Dia obviously has a gift for compassion and presence for the very ill and dying. For a
young person, I think this is remarkable. To work in a Hospice and see the needs and
the suffering of people and to make them comfortable and not feel alone was a blessing
to them and a true gift from Dia. I hope she will continue this work; she has both
learned from it and has given of herself to her patients!
Describe your service. I volunteered at Hospice of the Western Reserve, where I help
the nurses and visit patients. I spent time with a 17 month old baby girl, taking her
around the building in her stroller. I also spent time with a man who was dying.
Hospice wants to have a person with the patients who are near death. The nurse asked
if I was afraid to stay with him and I said no even though I was fearful. I wanted to put
his needs ahead of mine. I sat in silence with him to respect his time of passing. After
he died, I helped the nurse prepare his body and clean the room.
What difference does your service make? Even though the baby could not talk, I
could feel she appreciated my company and my compassion. I began to form
relationships with the staff because they enjoyed my company and their faces would
light up when they saw me walk through the hallways. With the man that passed, I
could also feel in the room that he appreciated my presence. I personally felt that if he
could talk, he would have touched my life and I could do the same with his.
How is the service important in your life? This service is important in my life,
because even when people are sick or even dying, they should be treated as if they
were healthy. Those who are experiencing pain should have someone who cares about
them and wants to be around them. This is exactly why I wanted to volunteer at
Hospice of the Western Reserve. I wanted to touch someone’s life whether they knew I
was there or not, but I knew I was. I wanted to use my gifts and talents for the better
and spend time with people whose families may not even come to see them. The 17month old baby touched my life because even through her pain and crying, she made
me happy and showed courage and strength. The man who passed away brought to
my attention that death is real, but also peaceful. From my volunteer services at
Hospice, I want to be in an environment like that because it brings so much joy and
love, even while one is suffering.
Chatfield College
St. Martin, OH
Amanda Widmeyer Clark
2nd year of college
Nominated by:
Sister Patricia Homan, OSU
Associate Dean and Site Director at Chatfield, St. Martin campus
Amanda has committed herself to service and has been responsible for encouraging
other students, faculty and staff to get involved with the Hope Emergency Program, a
food and clothing distribution center in the rural Brown County area. While giving her
time and talent at Hope, she is also a full time student, works in the Financial Aid office
and is raising a family.
Describe your service: I organized the Giving Tree at Chatfield which involved
creating flyers to promote the program, decorating and maintaining the tree with gift
tags, and creating a schedule of volunteers for the two weeks of the event. I solicited
volunteers at Chatfield and at local high schools. In addition I provided service support
for the two weeks of the Christmas set up and distribution of the gifts.
What difference does your service make: This year 863 children had a pile of gifts
under their Christmas trees. My service made a difference in a community that has
been affected by layoffs and company closures. Out of the four counties served by
Hope, two have competed for the highest unemployment rates in the state of Ohio this
past year. By giving to others we are teaching our children and our community about
giving and that will lead them to want to actively support one another.
How is this service important in your life? First and foremost, I sympathize with the
families I have helped through this project. Two years ago, my financial situation was
greatly affected when my husband’s work hours were significantly cut. We struggled
during that time but we had many family members and our community behind us to
help bridge the gap. Hillary Clinton once said, “It takes a village to raise a family.”, and I
truly believe this is true. However, some of our community do not have family support
and thus it is imperative that we all work together to provide a sound community in
which to raise our children.
College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, New York
Janice Rose, Katelynn Grim, Akimie Nayo Torez Worrell, Marnie
Herlands, Amanda Sambets, Monica Sanchez
Graduate Students
Nominated by:
Angela Ruta,
Assistant to Dean, Graduate School at CNR
CNR Graduate students travelled to La Romana, DR to engage in therapeutic services
directed at promoting change in a developing country. For one week they worked with
at-risk populations in an orphanage/community school, FUCPE.
Describe your service: We conducted art therapy groups for children and parents,
such as letting them explore the freedom of finger paints, create murals for the
classrooms, and making jewelry. We provided a forum for the kids as well as their
parents to be genuine and express a part of themselves through art. It was hoped that
by bringing in art materials, new techniques, and a fresh perspective for the teachers
and parents of the children, the community would benefit in meaningful ways.
The community only eats one meal a day consisting of sardines and rice because the
families do not have enough money for food. The CNR students provided them with
breakfast each day which included fruit, a rare treat. Our connections to the children
and staff were further solidified by spending Easter morning visiting students’ families
in their impoverished homes. There were many tears from students and La Romana
citizens as they shared moments of heartache and devastation with us.
How did your service make a difference? Their service made a difference to the
community of La Romana because it offered the families a few hours of respite from
their harsh lives. The people that should love them the most have sexually and
physically abused some of the children. They had machete marks on their arms,
traumatic blank stares, and developmental delays. Bringing a few hours of laughter,
the freedom of exploration of foreign art materials, and food to this population made a
difference in ways that will be remembered for years to come. The amount of love and
much needed personal attention we gave them certainly made a difference that was
evident on their faces and their carefree behavior.
Describe how this service was important in your life.
Janice Rose: This service trip was important to me because I realized the difference
between “first-world problems” and “third world problems” on a level that I had not
witnessed in my prior travels. Being so close to the families on our home visits and
being in close contact with their poverty and desolation forever changed my life. I am
in touch with how much there is to do in this world and how I could spend the rest of
my life in the service of impoverished families. I am in awe at the power of art-astherapy and the significant connections that can be made in a matter of minutes
through these materials, even with the language barrier. I have dreams of extending
this service by building water wells for the community, securing donations of medical
supplies and contributing to schooling for the children. I have already sent pictures
that either the kids took of themselves or I took of them and their families. This was a
significant trip in my life that has forever changed my perspective of impoverished
communities and what people do to survive.
Katelynn Grim: This experience made such an impact on my personal and
professional life. I have had the amazing opportunity to travel to several other third
world countries in the past to do service work, but this experience specifically engaged
me in a way that I could use my current master’s education in art therapy/counseling.
As a clinician, I learned the invaluable lesson of being present with those I am with.
There was so much we could not do while there. In many ways, we barely scratched
the surface. However, the moments I was able to just be fully present, dancing with the
kids, playing catch, teaching patty cake, the more I realized this is really the most
valued thing I can give someone. For them to know they are seen and heard, matters. I
have taken this valuable lesson to heart and have applied it while working with my
clients now.
Akimie Nayo Torez Worrell: Privileged people need to see how underprivileged
people live. Many of us take things for granted. A simple piece of string could become
an extraordinary thing in the eyes of a child. We should be incredibly grateful for food,
water, space, and a roof over our heads. This service made me want to strive even
harder to become an Art Therapist. I want to broaden my education and my awareness
of cultural diversity to do more social outreach. This trip demonstrated how important
art is as a universal language, and how important Art Therapy is for social
development. I want to thank all the people that believed in me and donated to this
cause, and I thank God every day that I was blessed with this experience.
Marnie Herlands: Being out of my comfort zone, I learned to have more trust in
myself and others. Many times, I had to rely solely on my instincts. I experienced
firsthand the value of being present in the moment and that sometimes we have to
accept things as they are. The impact that we have on others is not always something
that we can visibly see, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. I was reminded of the
universality of the human experience on this trip. I definitely grew as a person and an
art therapist (in training) and will take away with me many tools that I can use in the
future. This trip reinforced my belief that as human beings we have a great capacity
for resiliency, even under the harshest of circumstances.
Amanda Sambets: This service changed my life. I saw poverty that I have only heard
of previously. I saw people who couldn’t afford health care. One woman used soft
stuffed animals to support the aches in her body. She also had scars from which we
guessed were cancer related. Hearing her story and that of others opened my eyes to
how fortunate we in the United States are. I also set a new goal to create an outreach
program once I graduate and obtain my Art Therapy License. I want to serve
communities much like the one I visited in the Dominican Republic. I want to provide
services, much like I did on this trip, to communities that are underserved and support
them in health and wellness.
Monica Sanchez: This experience showed me the endurance of the human spirit. I feel
that in the midst of all of the difficulties this community faces. They showed me the
importance of the positive and essential elements of the human spirit: love, hope,
compassion, strength, endurance, gratitude, sense of community and humbleness. I feel
grateful for this experience. It was enlightening and an honor to witness their strength.
Shamella Bartholonew
Junior
Nominated by:
Georgia Efthalitsides,
Coordinator of Intramurals & Recreation at CNR
Describe your service: I have done community service events with CNR’s Office of
Campus Ministry. I have done the beach cleanup on one occasion, made sandwiches for
the homeless at the Trinity-St. Paul’s Church. I also made sandwiches for the midnight
run and later went on the Midnight Run. Through my work study internship at The
Office of Campus Ministry I have helped organize the Special Olympics and the Plunge
service project. As a peer minister, I will be continuously involved in the future
planning of community service events. I will also be participating in the majority of
those events.
What difference does your service make? One of the most memorable community
service activities I have participated in is the Midnight Run. I saw firsthand how
thankful the people who received the service were. Giving someone some warm
clothes and something hot to drink goes a long way. We might have saved someone’s
life that cold night. All the activities I have helped put together and participate in have
made important differences, both small and large ones.
How is this service important in your life? Helping people have always been
something that is important to me. Growing up, my great grandmother and my
grandmother were both invested in helping people in need. I saw that and I
understood it. I grew up wanting to help people in any way I can. I remember noticing
a girl in my class who never seemed to have anything to eat at lunch. I approached her
and asked her if she would like to come home with me for lunch. Helping her out felt
like something I needed to do. I like knowing that I help someone. It genuinely bothers
me knowing that there are people suffering on a daily basis. I like to help in any way
that I can.
Charlotte Freeman
Senior
Nominated by:
Dr. Arleen Hogan,
Campus Director for Co-op City at CNR
Ms. Freeman has demonstrated a sincere commitment to service since starting CNR in
the fall of 2011. As a United States Army Reserve Sergeant 1st Class, her dedication to
service is second nature. She has participated in many of our community service
drives, and invited The College to participate in their Advocacy Day at the Southeast
Bronx Neighborhood Center (SEBNC). Because of this event, we learned of her
extensive involvement to improve the quality of life for others through the various
sponsored by the center. Ms. Freeman has been a member of the SEBNC board for
three years. This center provides help with processing SNAP applications, allows exoffenders to get educational resources and assistance transitioning back into society,
and also holds an annual scholarship fund raiser as well as other adult and child
related events. She has also participated in our annual Community Service Day in April
2013 at Part of The Solution (POTS).
Recently, Ms. Freeman was called up to active service and returned in the fall of 2012
to complete her educational journey. She is also a military chaplain and has recently
started to volunteer for newly created Military Readiness Group. In this role, Ms.
Freeman acts as a volunteer liaison to improve the quality of life for military personnel
and their families, assisting in the transitioning process that comes at the conclusion of
both active and inactive service.
Describe your service: I am a volunteer member of the Board of Directors for
Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center (SEBNC); we oversee a variety of community
services. We assist in the processing of applications for SNAP for many families in the
community. There is an ex-offender’s program that helps with GEDs, college
applications, job placement and social transition training. I chair two committees, our
annual SEBNC Scholarship fund raiser for local high school graduates, with
approximately $9000 in scholarships to be awarded spring of 2014. We also continue
to assist many graduates in college with funds for books and other college related
expenses. Additionally our annual Advocacy Day promotes educational services,
healthcare, and other related agency resources for individuals/families. We sponsor a
Job Fair each month for the local residents and an annual Breast Cancer Awareness
Workshop each October. This includes screening, information sessions and other
related medical resources.
What difference does your service make? First and foremost, we assist those in the
community who need it the most and afford them a channel of services and resources
urgently needed in these economic times. Many of our clients do not have extended
families or other networking opportunities that our center brings to this neighborhood
to improve the overall quality of life.
How is this service important in your life? I really want to see others have as many
opportunities as life has afforded me. As a veteran, I believe devastation that exists on
an international level should not exist at home. In my opinion, it is a disservice to
society not to enable others to reach their full potential, which could benefit this
country as a whole. CNR has reinforced my belief that helping others cultivate their
dreams is worthy of my time. Whatever I can do is just my reasonable service.
Cassandra Castro
Senior
Nominated by:
Dr. Deborah Hunt,
Associate Professor Nursing at CNR
Ms. Castro is a senior nursing student, who recently became involved in the Student
Nurses Association. She is a lovely young woman who is motivated, dedicated, and
caring. In addition to her service activities at The College of New Rochelle, she is also
very supportive of her peers, and always willing to offer assistance when needed.
For example, she has implemented the Mentor-Mentee Volunteer Program this
semester to provide nursing 209 students with mentors. She is working with fellow
SNA members on the development of a "meet and greet" event for the mentees and
mentors to meet each other. She is also working with her fellow SNA members to hold
a Student Experience Panel this semester to publicize career opportunities for nursing
students.
Describe your service: I participated in the Mentor Program for nursing students. I
was a mentor for Nursing One students. My role was to offer advice and guidance to
the students as they begin the nursing program.
What difference does your service make? I believe that having a mentor helps
Nursing One students feel that they are not alone. Once a mentor and mentee are
paired up, it is the goal for the two students to continue to stay in touch and offer
support as they continue in the nursing program.
How is this service important in your life? As a mentor, I feel proud and happy to
give my support to the nursing one student because having gone through it myself, I
know that it is helpful for the beginning nursing students to talk to upper classmen for
advice and guidance.
Sacred Heart Academy
Louisville, KY
Emily Mitchell
Junior
Nominated by:
Jennifer Meirose,
Service Coordinator at Sacred Heart Academy
Emily demonstrates her commitment to her parish, St. Aloysius, in various ways. She
shows that being an active participant in a faith community leads one to engage the
world more fully and to live a life of service. She has given hours to her parish to lead
activities throughout the year, but she has also gone on a mission trip with her parish
to serve those who are less fortunate.
Describe your service: During a week long mission trip, I volunteered at Youthworks
in Kokomo, Indiana. I served food to children living in a trailer park, taught at a
Vacation Bible School, pulled weeds, helped with landscaping and made liquid laundry
and dish soap.
What difference did your service make? The service that I did allowed young
children to see older faces helping them caring for them and helping them succeed. The
soap we made was taken to Dare to Care to be given to any family that needed soap for
their homes. The landscaping that we did allowed families to see that there are people
in the world that are willing to help others.
How is this service important in your life? This service helped me realize not to take
things for granted. I saw living conditions/situations that I had hoped people would
not have to struggle through. I was able to thank God for what has been given to me. I
also discovered that I enjoy service work and enjoy mission trips.
Katherine Dooley
Junior
Nominated by:
Jennifer Meirose
Katie shows that she remains dedicated to volunteering through a local hospital and
deepening relationships through that organization. She gave over 90 hours of her time
to her local hospital last year and I know completed well over 50 hours during the
previous year. She shows a commitment to this group of people in need.
Describe your service and what you did: I have volunteered in several areas of the
Baptist Health Hospital in Louisville.. I often take patients down to their cars after
discharge. I also take items such as sodas and crackers to patients and their family
members. Additionally, I help refill patient’s water pitchers and assist patients in filling
out menus.
What difference does your service make? I feel like I helped comfort the patients
because I talked to them and even more importantly, listened to them. Many of the
patients I have met are older people. Several patients have told me stories from their
lives. It seemed to make them feel better because somebody was listening to them and
cared about them.
How is this service important in your life? This service helped me learn to interact
with a variety of people from many different backgrounds. I also feel like I have
become more compassionate towards others. I greatly enjoy helping the patients. I also
like that the staff is confident in me. They know that if they ask me to do something, I
will do it well. The volunteer coordinator occasionally asks me to help her with special
projects because she knows she can count on me. I also feel like the patients’ stories
have changed me. I have talked with a few people who have had to rely on God to get
through very difficult situations in their life. I feel like their stories have strengthened
my faith.
Christina Scheiber
Junior
Nominated by:
Jennifer Meirose
Christina consistently goes above and beyond any school requirement for service
hours. She clearly loves the groups with which she works. She gives of her time to her
community through hours at her school, a local homeless shelter, and Special
Olympics. She also gives of her time as a volunteer at the Louisville Zoo. She has been
one of our top earners for service hours by completing over 450 last year alone.
Describe your service: I volunteer at the Franciscan Shelter House several days a
month. I served food to those in need. I would wake up around six to get ready, and be
at the Shelter House around seven. While the food is being cooked for that day’s meal,
we would start preparing food for the next day’s meal. Usually that would mean
peeling and cutting carrots or potatoes. When the food is ready and on the line, we
pray for anyone who needs prayers in their own life. After finishing, we always yell
"God is good all the time, and all the time God is good". This always gets us pumped for
the day’s service. Then, everyone chooses a position on the line, or where they will
serve the food. Around 200 people enter the Shelter house every day, and that keeps us
busy.
I always love the people who come through the line. They are always laughing and
happy with a smile on their faces. One man will always give me a flower when he
passes me in the line. I like to go there just for fun and do service in my spare time.
Even though I don't have much spare time, I try to go when I can.
Besides this outreach service I do, I’m also active in other volunteering service jobs.
Since seventh grade, I have volunteered in the camp department at the Louisville Zoo
over the summer. I also coach a special needs team. It started this year by just coaching
Binet's track and field team and running in the unified race, and now I am coaching
bowling and basketball as well. I love getting to know the people and teaching them
new things.
What difference does your service make? The service I do at the Franciscan Shelter
House makes a difference in the people's everyday lives. Without the food we provide
these folks would go hungry. We also provide encouragement and prayers at each
meal. Volunteering at Binet can make a difference in a Special Need child's life. They
are faced with many challenges, and can often get discouraged. The trick is to find a
sport they can excel in. To see their face light up when they get a ribbon or medal
makes it all worthwhile.
How is the service important in your life? The service is important in my life
because I do not know where I would be if I had never done these services. By doing
these services, I know that I am making someone’s day by simply putting food on their
plate. For some people it is the only meal they will get all day, so they go through the
line several times. I know that the shelter might be the only building they will go in
with heating and cooling. These people have a much harder life than I do, and I can
take a couple of hours out of my day to make their whole day better.
Maria George
Junior
Nominated by:
Jennifer Meirose
Maria has devoted much of her time to helping children with disabilities by
volunteering at a local child-care facility. In giving 140 hours last year, she has shown
that she truly loves the relationships she has formed and that she is committed to
continuing her work there through her years in high school.
Describe your service and what you did: I helped the nurses at Sproutlings Pediatric
Daycare and Preschool where they care for the medically fragile infants. I helped with
basic tasks, such as feeding and playing with the children. My main goal was to make
sure the children were happy while the nurses were preoccupied with tending to the
children’s medical necessities.
What difference did your service make? Without my assistance, along with that of
others, these infants would be unable to accomplish basic tasks, as they are completely
dependent on the love and care of other people.
How is this service important in your life? This service was important in my life
because I have a great appreciation for God’s gift of life to these children, no matter
their condition. They are all a gift from God and deserve love and care just as any child
does. I love being a part of this amazing service.
St. Ursula Academy
Cincinnati, OH
Caroline Perry
Senior
Nominated by:
Rachel Kemper,
Community Service Learning Director
St. Ursula Academy, Cincinnati
Caroline Perry has been a quiet leader this year exhibiting dedication, organization, and
perseverance. She was chosen to be a member of the Student Outreach Services (SOS)
Leadership Board this year at St. Ursula Academy. The SOS Board is made up of students who
have a desire to serve and lead others in service. This year Caroline has taken on the
leadership of a new service site, St. Joseph’s Home which provides residential,
educational and community treatment programs for individuals who have been abused
or neglected, are severely emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled.
Caroline has been patient and flexible as the staff at St. Joseph’s Home has changed and
as their planned activities have fallen through. She has stayed consistent and positive
through it all, truly being present to those she visits who are severely disabled.
Caroline is also a member of our justice club at St. Ursula. This collaborative group
entitled Catholic Social Teaching Action Team (CSTAT) is dedicated to providing
opportunities for students to learn more about social justice issues such as fair trade
products, homelessness, and poverty. The work of CSTAT is rooted in the principles of
Catholic Social Teaching. Caroline stepped out of her comfort zone and connected our
school’s awareness-raising event with other high schools. Electronically students in
other schools were able to hear Kelsey Timmerman share his insights about worker
rights through his books “Where Am I Wearing?” and Where Am I Eating?” Caroline,
along with Darby Schwarz, created a Twitter account and hosted a Twitter event so
people who attended the event could respond to the topics they learned about during
the Common Threads event. It was innovative and exciting to see this event and the
pro-active steps that the students came up with as a result.
Describe your service: Over the summer, I had the opportunity to go to New Orleans
on a mission trip with a group of girls from my school. The trip focused on rebuilding
homes damaged from Hurricane Katrina. Although, it is not the lead story in the news,
recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina continues to this day. The
aftermath of the storm has been a challenging and life changing process for the people
of New Orleans.
During the trip, we partnered with the St. Bernard Parish Project, a nonprofit focused
on disaster relief and rebuilding houses, as well as selling affordable housing. While in
New Orleans, we stayed on the campus of Ursuline of New Orleans along with many
other women from Ursuline schools across the country.
Soon after arriving, we split up into groups and began to prepare for the service work
that was to ensue. After a quick lesson on handling power tools and drywall, we were
off to work. My group was assigned to assist a family who was still trying to make their
house habitable, nearly eight years after Katrina hit. This house was located in the
lower ninth ward, a district that was severely damaged and flooded by the aftermath of
the hurricane. So far, the house had been raised on ten-foot tall stilts and insulated.
Our group clumsily began to hang drywall in the bedroom. By the end of the week, we
successfully and skillfully hung drywall throughout the entire house.
Throughout the week, we were able to interact with the local community and other
Ursuline students. Additionally, we learned more about Katrina’s expansive
devastation, recovery projects, the rich culture of New Orleans, and the commonalities
we had with the students from other Ursuline schools. We found that we all shared
similar values in leadership and service among other virtues.
By the end of the week, our hard labor had transformed a skeleton into a place a family
would call home. More importantly, I experienced a transformation and realization
that one person can make a difference.
What difference did your service make? The service that my Ursuline sisters and I
performed not only gave one family a place to call home, but also promoted a giving
environment. The family that we helped was so grateful and brought us popsicles
nearly every day in thanks for our service. Considering it was close to 100 degrees,
this was extremely thoughtful and refreshing! They were astonished by the amount of
work that we did and how excited we were to help them. After we left, the interior still
had to be painted and finished, but the majority of the work was done. The family was
able to move in just a month after we gave our service! Without our help, the family
would most likely still be living in a small one-bedroom apartment, unsuitable for a
family with two children under the age of five.
Additionally, after returning home from the mission trip, I had the opportunity to share
my experience with my classmates during a school assembly. During the presentation,
we explained the impact we had on some of the victims of Katrina, but we also spoke of
the positive impact the trip had on us. We challenged and encouraged our fellow
students to make a difference.
How is this service important in your life? This service has opened my eyes in a
multitude of ways. Before going on this trip, I knew very little about New Orleans and
the people who populated it, other than what was covered on the news, 8 years ago.
After hearing the family’s story and meeting them in person, I was forever changed.
The grace and appreciation they expressed was humbling. It is an invaluable lifechanging lesson to meet people who have experienced devastation. It becomes real, as
opposed to something that I can change the channel to avoid. This trip has taught me to
be even more grateful for the sense of security I have in my home and community. It
gave me a new perspective on what it means to become abruptly homeless because of
a natural disaster, the process of recovery, and the rebuilding of a new life. Overall, the
trip only lasted seven days, but those seven days taught me to be even more
appreciative for my family and community.
Darby Schwarz
Senior
Nominated by:
Rachel Kemper
Darby Schwarz is an unassuming leader who has grown in confidence over the last two
years. She has been a Service Captain for our school service team which helps to plan
and facilitate the school wide events that serve our community. Darby has been the
leader for our largest school wide effort – the Canned Food Drive – for the last two
years.
Due to her leadership and motivation our school community donated 600 boxes of
food to support five local agencies. Darby created the theme for our Canned Food
Drive and planned our all -school assembly, speaking about the reason behind our
efforts and explaining how we could reach our goal. She did an exceptional job and
worked tirelessly during the drive.
Darby has expanded her involvement beyond service work to issues of social justice.
She has chosen to be a member of our justice club this year and has quickly become a
leader in our initiatives. This collaborative group entitled Catholic Social Teaching
Action Team (CSTAT) is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to learn
more about social justice issues such as fair trade products, homelessness, and
poverty. The work of CSTAT is rooted in the principles of Catholic Social
Teaching. Through Darby’s leadership, our school was able to sponsor a city wide
awareness-raising event with other high schools by inviting Kelsey Timmerman to
Cincinnati to share his insights about worker rights through his books “Where Am I
Wearing?” and Where Am I Eating?” Darby, along with another student leader,
Caroline Perry, led the way in creating a Twitter event that evening. This Twitter event
allowed students to post and share responses and resources about topics of fair trade
and ethically sourced purchases.
Darby’s excitement and growing confidence in being a leader for service and justice
issues has been wonderful to watch.
Describe your service: For the last two years (2012 and 2013), I have been a coleader for SUA’s annual Canned Food Drive. For the CFD around school, the other
leaders and I planned a pep-rally to inform the student body about CFD, helped
collection throughout the school, tallied boxes, made announcements to the student
body, and provided a resource to answer questions concerning the drive’s procedures
or hunger in general. The first year, we had a focus on local pantries and Lucy’s Mission
in Harlem, KY. This year, we focused all on local pantries. We made sure the school
understood this decision to focus on local pantries and the true issue of hunger that
exists not only globally but, more importantly, locally.
What difference does your service make? I hope that I made a difference to two
different communities that I served. First would be my own SUA community. I hope
that, through my leadership, I was able to educate them on the issues of hunger in our
own neighborhoods and around the world. I hope that after they were educated on
these pressing issues that they took a step back to evaluate their lives and realize that
one small contribution that they make greatly impacts a hungry person. The second
community would be that of the people who go to the food pantries where we donated
our canned goods. I hope that the food that we collected made an impact on their lives
and made their day, week, or month a little more sustainable. I hope that, through a
little action of our own, we could make a lasting impact on their lives.
How is this service important in your life. This service over the past two years has
been important to me because I think that, first, hunger is the most pressing issue in
our world today. I hope that through my efforts in my school and hopefully later on in
my life I can contribute to the end of hunger. Second, after reflecting on my life and the
privileges that I have been given, I feel that it is only right to give to the people that
need it most. I hope that, if I were in the same situation sometime down the road,
someone in my current place would have the same feelings and help me in my time of
struggle. Through my service, I have learned to be a more involved, gracious, and
aware person and I am thankful that I have been given that opportunity to change.
Sophia Settle
Junior
Nominated by:
Rachel Kemper
Sophia Settle has emerged as a great leader this year in our Community Service
Programming. She deserves recognition for her work in both the Canned Food Drive
and as a leader for our volunteers at St. Joseph’s Home which provides residential,
educational and community treatment programs for individuals who have been abused
or neglected, are severely emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled.
In regards to the Canned Food Drive, Sophia stepped up as a coordinator of this event
this year. It is the largest whole school collection at St. Ursula Academy. Sophia, along
with two other students, planned and presented at an all -school assembly motivating
students, explaining the reason behind our efforts, whom we planned to support, and
what our goal was for the food drive. In the end, our school community collected 600
boxes of food for five local agencies. She was very active as a leader and proved to be a
great motivator for the students in her advisory group. She also was active in
gathering feedback afterwards so next year’s event can be even more successful.
This year, Sophia was also chosen as a member of the Student Outreach Services (SOS)
Leadership Board at St. Ursula Academy. The SOS Board is made up of students who
have a desire to serve and lead others in service. Sophia took on a new service site this
year with St. Joseph’s Home and deserves recognition because of her initiative and
perseverance. This site has had two different volunteer coordinators and as a new site
has small attendance by other student volunteers. It can be a challenge to encourage
students to reach out of their comfort zone and volunteer and socialize with students
who are severely disabled. Sophia has not felt discouraged and continues to be upbeat
and present to those she serves.
Describe your service: I co-led the canned food drive that benefited local food panties
such as St. Vincent DePaul Society, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Madisonville
Education & Assistance Center (MEAC), Little Sisters of the Poor, and Open Door
Ministries. Along with the other two co-leaders, I was responsible for: creating a
theme, planning assemblies and advisory (homeroom) sessions, and getting my peers
excited for the drive. At an all-school assembly to kick off the drive, I was responsible
for presenting the theme and this year’s mission and goal, explaining which pantries
were chosen to be beneficiaries and why, leading the advisory representatives, and
finally dressing in full theme, 1920’s Iron Jawed Angels dresses. Later in the drive, I
mostly focused on making sure that the drive went smoothly by doing tasks such as
helping keep a record of boxes, offering guidance to the student body, and finally
delivering the food to the local food pantries.
What difference does your service make? I helped make a difference by providing
food to people who had empty pantries. I not only filled their stomachs with food, but I
filled their hearts with a good deed. By leading the canned food drive, I have helped
give them the courage to persevere by showing that someone is willing to help them.
How is this service important in your life? This service was important because it
reminds me that one doesn’t have to go to another state or country to find someone in
need of basic necessities such as food. These people are here, in our own community.
In our daily lives, we are aware of people in need in our community, but do we really
“see” them? This has really helped me not just be aware but see and understand what
the people in this community are facing through the Thanksgiving and Christmas
seasons, and the following winter months. Doing service in our community reminds me
how much gratitude that I have for the gift of security in resources.
Katie Jira
Junior
Nominated by:
Rachel Kemper
I came to know Katie Jira during her Freshman year at St. Ursula Academy. She has
been an active and engaged participant in a variety of service throughout her three
years. When I think of Katie, the following words come to mind: cheerful, organized,
and dependable.
The most consistent contribution Katie has made to those less fortunate is in her role
as the chairperson of our mission collection last year and this year. As the leader for
our mission collection, Katie is responsible for educating and promoting our weekly
collection for developing nations. Over the past year and a half, we have raised over
$11,000 largely due to Katie’s efforts. Katie prepares a presentation that is shown to
all students each month that showcases the projects we are supporting with our
donations. These presentations have been wonderful! The student feedback has been
very positive and we have seen an increase in donations. In addition, Katie leads a
committee of her peers in counting the money, choosing projects to support, and
reminding the school community about the collections. It has been a pleasure to see
Katie’s leadership abilities grow. In addition, her awareness and passion for the justice
issues facing those we support in developing nations has increased. She has become a
great role model for her peers and an advocate for the voiceless.
Describe your service: Mission Collection is Saint Ursula’s organization that collects
monetary donations from the student body and sends it to worthy organizations in
different countries. Most of the organizations we support aid women and children
which is important to us as students in an all women school. The Mission Collection
and its educational component is a very positive experience. Mission Collection makes
everyone more aware of global issues and offers students a chance to make a
difference in other countries. Every one or two months, Saint Ursula changes the
organization we support and a new educational component is introduced to the
advisories. Almost every Wednesday in our advisory sessions, donations are collected
by a school service event representative for the designated organization. Donations are
then passed to the Community Service Office where a few volunteers and myself count
the money. As a leader of the Mission Collection, my responsibilities are to help choose
the organizations which we will support, create the educational component for the
advisories, promote the organization through emails and flyers and count the
donations that the representatives collect.
What difference does your service make? By having Mission Collection at Saint
Ursula, my fellow students and I are exposed to problems, such as child slavery,
hunger, natural disasters and lack of educational opportunities outside of the United
States. The Saint Ursula community realizes that even though these problems are large
ones, we can still make a difference by advocating and donating. It is a wonderful
feeling knowing that even your small donations can help someone in distress. Even
though we are only one school, I believe that our money makes a great impact on these
organizations. In some cases, the Saint Ursula’s donations provide medicine, books,
school supplies, clean water, tuition and a shelter for those in need.
How is this service important in your life? Mission Collection has really become a
part of my life. When I was a scared, little freshman, my big sister at Saint Ursula was a
leader and she absolutely loved it. She inspired me to become involved in the service. I
soon broke out of my shell and realized that there were more important causes and
problems to help in the world than my own problems. I enjoy learning more about the
organizations we help and I love to make others feel like they can make a difference.
Last year, Saint Ursula hosted people from the Batahola Center of Nicaragua and I was
taken aback by their sincere gratitude and appreciation. One woman directly spoke to
me and thanked me and my fellow students for our donations which made all my
efforts worthwhile.
St. Ursula Academy
Toledo, OH
Jillian Pierson
Senior
Nominated by:
Kevin Shannon,
Director of Campus Ministry
St. Ursula Academy, Toledo
I highly recommend Jillian for this award. She constantly gives of her time and talents
to help others. She is always looking for ways to help others, and she does so quietly
and humbly, never seeking recognition or applause. She truly has a heart of service. I
am so impressed with her dedication to others, and she constantly inspires her peers
and the rest of the St. Ursula community. I am honored to recommend her for this
award.
Describe your service. I was a counselor at an MDA Camp in Ashley, OH. I spent the
week helping a child with muscular dystrophy.
What difference does your service make? I was able to help give a child with
muscular dystrophy the chance to overcome some of the restrictions caused by his
disease and have new experiences.
How is the service important in your life? I have cousins with muscular dystrophy
and by volunteering with MDA I feel I am helping make a change.
Sydney Czerniakowski
Senior
Nominated by:
Kevin Shannon
Hannah has served over 100 hours, and I am very impressed with her dedication and
commitment. She regularly sacrifices so much of her own time and resources to help
those whose resources are limited. She is never boastful concerning the amount of
time she offers, but is generous and cheerful. She is a wonderful inspiration to the
people she works with, as well as her peers. She is gentle, kind, yet passionate about
her service to those less fortunate. She is a wonderful person!
Describe your service: I participate in an effort to send dresses to little girls in Africa.
I make dresses and I also involve others in donating and make dresses as well.
What difference does your service make? The little girls who received these
dresses have nothing. By giving them an article of clothing, I am helping them gain a
sense of hope.
How is this service important in your life? It is important in my life because I have
so much I take for granted that I am glad to have the opportunity to share with others
who have so little.
Allison Studtmann
Senior
Nominated by:
Kevin Shannon
Allison has served over 100 hours, mostly through her work with mission trips abroad
and working with children at ethnic camps. Her involvement is truly remarkable. She is
patient, kind, and totally dedicated to improving the lives of all she works with and
serves. I am so impressed by her humbleness, patience, and her quiet faith. She is a
wonderful example of servant leadership.
Describe your service: I volunteer supervising campers at week long day camp,
Jugendwoche Camp at Oak Shade Grove.
What difference does your service make? This camp allows young children to
experience German culture.
How is the service important in your life? Volunteering at the camp gives me the
opportunity to interact with the campers and also to become more familiar with my
German heritage.
Margaret Sobecki
Senior
Nominated by:
Kevin Shannon
Margaret (Maggie) has served over 110 hours, I am incredibly impressed with her
dedication and commitment. She regularly sacrifices so much of her own time to help
children on mission trips and with the Girl Scouts of America.. She treasures her faith,
and looks for every opportunity to share it with others, in word and deed. She is never
boastful concerning the amount of time she offers, but is generous and cheerful. I feel
that she is a wonderful inspiration to the families and individuals she works with, as
well as her peers.
Describe your service: My service involves general service work and volunteering
with the Girl Scouts.
What difference does your service make? Through my service, underprivileged
families are able to get healthy fresh food and cancer families and patients receive
healthy food and recipes.
How is the service important in your life? My service has taught me to love and
respect my neighbors all over the world and to be truly grateful for all the blessings I
have received.
St. Ursula Villa
Cincinnati, OH
Danny O’Grady
Nominated by:
Jane McCarthy,
4th grade religion teacher, St. Ursula Villa
Jack O’Grady
Nominated by:
Andrea Moeder,
Junior High Religion Teacher, St. Ursula Villa
Describe your service: We baked Brownies and made baskets of snacks for the
families and staff at Hospice every week and we also volunteered at Matthew 25
Ministries.
What difference does your service make? We made the people at Hospice feel
better as they were dealing with difficult situations. We also helped families in need by
helping Matthew 25 Ministries send supplies to them.
How is the service important in your life? By giving to others in need, we realized
how fortunate we are. We also wanted to help Hospice after our grandpa died. When
our grandpa was at Hospice, it was a very sad time for our family. It helped to have
treats and so we decided to bring treats to Hospice to help other families who were
going through what we had gone through.
Kimi Dryden
Seventh grade
Nominated by:
Andrea Moeder
Describe your service: Safety Village is a two-week summer program that allows
cchildren who are going into kindergarten to learn about safety issues. I served as a
teen leader, helping the children with three activities a day. They made crafts, learned
catchy songs about safety, watched videos that emphasized the “lesson of the day”
learned their home phone numbers, and “drove” battery-operated cars. Watching the
videos helped them learn how to react to emergency situations. Driving the cars
helped them learn the rules of the road and the basic parts of the car.
What difference did your service make? By volunteering at Safety Village, I made a
difference for many people. First, it benefitted the parents by teaching their children
about the dangers of the world and ways to correctly handle dangerous situations.
Second, the children gained safety informaiton and the confidence to use it. Third, it
gave the teen leaders, like myself, a sense of leadership and the opportunity to work
with young children.
How is the service important in your life? I attended Safety Village before I went to
kindergarten and by returning as a teen leader I had the opportunity to experience the
program from a different perspective. I was able to teach the children and develop my
leadership skills. I became familiar with each child’s personality, interests and
behavioral patterns and then how to work with each of them I had to use my
imagination and rethink what it was like to be a kindergartener so I could lead them
without making them feel that they were being “bossed” around by a “big kid.” In
addition to teaching the younger children skills, I also grew and learned new skills
myself.
Catherine Feldkamp
Nominated by:
Andrea Moeder
Describe your service: I helped the Girl Scout leaders make the summer camp fun
and I also helped at Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Bible School by being a classroom
aide.
What difference does your service make? I helped the Girl Schouts in their effort to
teach each girl to be the best person she can be. I also helped the children at the Bible
School learn about God.
How is the service important to you? Both the Girl Scouts and the Bible School teach
children to be the best they can be which can change the future. I am happy that I was a
part of that.
Ursuline Academy
Dallas, TX
Jacqueline Gibson
Nominated by:
Sister Lois Castillon,
OSU, Director of Mission and Heritage
Ursuline Academy, Dallas
Describe your service: I worked with Little Dresses for Africa, a Christian nonprofit
that is dedicated to providing young girls in various African countries with new,
handmade dresses. I became involved with this effort through my participation with
the Girls’ Advisory Board of Girls Scouts. To complete my project, I repurposed
pillowcases into stylish dresses with ties and bows. The girls who receive these
dresses often own little to no clothing of their own, and many have been orphaned
because of HIV/AIDS. The dresses serve as an opportunity to give the girls hope and
revitalize the communities of Central Africa.
What difference does your service make? Each dress held the potential to bring
hope to a girl, assuring her that someone in the world considered her worthy enough
to give of their time and effort to send a new dress from continents away. When the
Little Dresses for Africa organization arrives in a community, the workers hold classes
on food sanitation, nutrition and the importance of clean water. Through the initiatives
started by Little Dresses for Africa, the quality of health in these communities
increases. Most importantly, the dresses provide an opportunity for the Word of God
to be shared, since the organization holds Bible classes within the communities visited.
Therefore, the dresses I made had an impact on the physical and spiritual needs of the
girls and their communities.
How is the service important in your life? When I researched the organization, I
knew this was the project for me. I learned to sew at an early age, and have always
enjoyed making items for others. I chose this project because I wanted to use my
sewing skills to make a difference in the lives of other girls and show them that God’s
love is present, even in a seemingly small gesture like a dress. This project was, in a
way, an awakening. I was humbled that God used my sewing skills to reach others. I
was reminded that you don’t always have to do extraordinary things to make an
impact. I was so touched by the overall experience that I knew in my heart I wanted to
continue working with the organization. For that reason, I brought the initiative to
Ursuline. Through my role as President of the Ursuline Sewing for Others Club, I have
introduced the service project to another group of girls. Throughout this semester, we
will work together to make more dresses to send to girls around the world. It’s my
hope that this project can become a lasting part of the Ursuline community.
Shannon Pan
Nominated by:
Sister Lois Castillon, OSU
Describe your service: I visited a resident, Mrs. Chou, at the Plano Community Home;
I cleaned her apartment by vacuuming her floors, organizing her shelves, cleaning her
bathroom, and other household chores. Along with this, I also provided her with
company and someone to talk to.
What difference does your service make? My impact on Mrs. Chou was very
significant because she had recently lost her son to cancer, and she felt devastated and
extremely lonely living by herself. I was able to provide her with my cheerful and
positive attitude. She shared with me old photo albums of her grandchildren, and she
told me all about her past. She was able to realize that there are people who care for
her, and that she is not alone.
How is this service important in your life? I was able to learn an important lesson of
never forgetting the elderly, because they served for a lifetime, so we should serve
them back as well. I was inspired to continue to visit her, and I was motivated to
impact more people in my life, young and old. It was fulfilling to know that I had
brightened someone’s day, and now I want to live my life knowing I can make a
difference in other’s lives. My visit with Mrs. Chou inspired my spirit of Serviam to
grow, and it will never stop growing in the years to come.
Salhab Reem
Recommended by:
Sister Lois Castillon, OSU
Describe your service: This service project benefitted underprivileged people living
in the coastal city of Batroun in Lebanon. While working with the Lebanese Red Cross,
I had the privilege of serving people of various age groups. My first project consisted of
helping to raise money that was used to provide bread for a girls’ shelter. I was also
blessed with the opportunity of visiting this Catholic nun-run girls’ shelter multiple
times, which housed girls with Down’s syndrome who were abandoned by their
families. I also had the opportunity to assist at The Red Cross Pharmacy, where I not
only greeted patients and made them feel welcome, but I also made multiple home
visits with the volunteer pharmacist bringing medicine to those who could not afford
to purchase it. Lastly, I aided in food preparation and served food at the biweekly Red
Cross Luncheon for the elderly of the city of Batroun.
What difference did your service make? In the two weeks that I spent with the
Lebanese Red Cross, I participated in many community service projects and met
several people. My visit to the Catholic nun-run girls’ shelter brought so much joy to
the girls. The girls were extremely sweet, and they welcomed me with open arms while
dancing and singing Lebanese tunes. Some of these sweet young ladies started crying
when they saw that we had brought food for them. While spending time with these
girls, I noticed that some of the girls’ teeth were in a very poor condition. As a result, I
proposed to the president of the Batroun chapter of the Red Cross that something
should be done to help these girls have healthy and beautiful teeth. When I visited this
past summer, the president came to me and informed me that they recruited volunteer
dentists during the year, and now the girls have bi-monthly dentist visits. While
assisting the volunteer pharmacist in his daily medicine deliveries, I visited several
elderly people in their homes, spoke with them about their lives, and provided them
with moral support. All of them were extremely happy and thankful for the attention
and support they received. I, alongside the pharmacist, also visited a mother who had
new triplet infants and was struggling to provide for her family. We visited with the
mother, and provided her with baby formula for her infants.
How is this service important in your life? My entire experience with the Lebanese
Red Cross was so surreal. When I first decided to spend two weeks volunteering, I
never imagined that my whole outlook on life would change forever. For the past
fourteen years, my family and I have visited Lebanon during our summer vacation. It
had become a routine for me to just spend my whole summer on the beach relaxing.
During the summer of 2012, I travelled all around Batroun and discovered that right
outside my door were the poorest people that I did not notice for so many years. It
absolutely broke my heart to see all of these people suffering, but I also realized that
God was showing me that I could make a difference. As Ursuline girls, we are always
taught that Serviam is what we are called to do, but sometimes we overlook how
important Serviam really is. After participating in this project, I realized that Serviam
not only means that you serve others and change their lives, but most importantly, it
means that your life is changed as well. Every person I served and helped during this
project opened my eyes and taught me the power of shared loved.
Emily Sims
Nominated by:
Sister Lois Castillon, OSU
Describe your service: My service involved children at Jonathan’s Place, a Dallas based
organization that helps children who have to be removed from their homes because
they are in an unsafe environment. I was given the opportunity to meet and interact
with a six-year old girl named Lila. Lila is a victim of child abuse; her parents were
addicted to drugs and alcohol and had given these substances to her and her older
brother at a young age. Due to this, Lila and her older brother had to be removed from
their home as their parents served time in prison. My service consisted of spending
time with Lila at a picnic and reading with her. Although these were simple actions, I
experienced first-hand the meaning of unconditional love.
How did your service make a difference? On the day of my visit, Lila was scheduled to
have an arranged visit with her parents. She was ecstatic and eagerly changed into her
visitation clothes, only to find out that her visit had been canceled. I found Lila crying
in her room and to cheer her up we read a book. When we finished, Lila told me her
parents did not love her which is why they had canceled the visitation. I explained to
her that her parents loved her more than she will ever realize and she will always be
surrounded by love from God and the people that care for her at Jonathan’s Place. In
this moment Lila felt happy and reassured she was loved. While I was with her, Lila
and her brother were able to be kids and to forget about their situation for a brief
period of time. Though I did not perform extraordinary deeds, I know I made a
difference in her day. Service is not always about making huge impacts initially, instead
it is about the little things that add up and eventually turn into something greater. It
starts one moment and one person at a time.
How is this service important in your life? This project greatly impacted my life
because I learned the true meaning of unconditional love of others. Even after what her
parents did, Lila was still so excited to be given the opportunity to visit her parents.
Though her life was traumatic, Lila continued to love her parents and the people
around her just as Jesus loved all, even those who persecuted Him. Through Lila I also
learned that true service is measured by little actions that have immeasurable effects
on others, as well as on the one performing the service. Lila is an inspiration because
she loves in a way I can only hope to love. Service is freely giving one’s self to another,
but Lila ended up giving me more than I had ever imagined.
Ursuline Academy
Dedham, MA
Ursuline Choral Group
Kelsey Lynch, Mary Kate Nolan, Merissa Wright
Seniors
Abigail Black, Michaela Chipman, Sarah Kahler, Amy Piccolo
Juniors
Caroline Ahearn, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Elizabeth Higgins, Meghan
Michalski, Brittany O’Malley
Sophomores
Mary Chipman, Cara DiPietro, Hayley Evans, Kelly Johnson, Margaret
Johnson, Lindsey Patterson, Mayo Rao
Freshman
Nominated by:
Mary Jo Keaney,
Principal at Ursuline Academy, Dedham, MA
When you sing, you pray twice and like the plaid in our uniform skirt, the Ursuline
Choral Group is a big part of the fabric of our community. They lead us in liturgies and
perform at school and alumnae events.
Describe the service: Directed by Susan Glancy, the Ursuline Choral Group practices
twice weekly and performs year round. The events include school liturgies, Stuff-aTruck charity, Brescia Ball, Providence Bruins, Open House and Alumnae Tea.
What difference does the service make? The Choral Group inspires. They lead the
school community prayerfully in song and they cheerfully contribute to all UA events
and local ones too.
How is the service important in their lives? By their singing, the young women
model faith, devotion to God and community and they also are making a commitment
to develop as musicians.
Abby Lake
Senior
Nominated by:
Catherine Muldoon,
Vice Principal at Ursuline Academy, Dedham MA
I am nominating Abby because she has served on student council with distinction for
several years. Abby is often the first person to volunteer to help with projects and
initiatives, and her equitable demeanor makes her a valuable colleague. Abby has a
strong sense of humor, one of the most important qualities needed for student
government, and a willingness to pitch in wherever she is needed. In short, Abby is a
quiet but effective asset to Ursuline and we are lucky to have her!
Describe your service: As vice-president of my class for two years, I am the liaison
between students and faculty. I have been faithful in attending weekly meetings and
have taken on the leadership of events, such as the penny war for a charitable cause
and the annual semi-formal dance.
What difference does your service make? My service has improved cooperation
and communication between students and staff.
How is the service important in your life? My service has definitely improved my
leadership and communication skills. I love that I can be available to any staff member
or fellow student who needs my help.
Ursuline Academy
New Orleans, LA
Emily MacLaren
Senior
Nominated by:
Alice Bairnsfather,
Principal at Ursuline Academy, New Orleans, LA
Describe your service: Throughout my many years of service, I have been involved in
several organizations. At the age of twelve, I began volunteering with a local
organization that involved something I loved to do: swimming. I have volunteered
seven years with the organization JoJo’s Hope, which provides free swim lessons to
children who are mentally handicapped. Through this experience, I was able to learn
about Camp Friendship. Camp Friendship is a week long camp that gives children who
have Spina Bifida the chance to attend a free camp, a chance they do not normally get
because most of them are in wheel chairs. I have volunteered at Camp Friendship for 4
summers. In my junior year of high school, I became involved in Ursuline’s first ever
Beyond our Borders program, which gave me the opportunity to serve outside my
comfort zone in a different country, Guyana, South America.
What difference does your service make? Being involved in my community is
important to me because it is one of the core values instilled within me from my first
day at Ursuline in sixth grade. As being a part of an Ursuline school for seven years, my
foundation for how to approach life revolves around one word: serviam, I will serve.
The basis of service began with St. Angela, who recognized the importance to educate
young women and provide service to others. Service within my own community is
important because it is rewarding both for the one serving and the one being served. It
is truly special to know that you can impact someone’s life by simply offering service
through conversations or manual labor. Just serving those in a community benefits the
community as a whole.
How is the service important in your life? Throughout my volunteering experiences,
I have continuously answered St. Angela’s call to serviam: I will serve. My most
rewarding volunteer experience was when I embarked on a trip to Guyana, South
America on Ursuline’s first ever Beyond Our Borders immersion program. During this
trip, I was able to experience a different culture and learned to appreciate the little
things in life. My mission trip to Guyana, South America has laid out a path for the rest
of my life. I know that through my experience I want to continue to go beyond my
borders and serve in developing countries. The immersion program to Guyana, South
America changed my life, and the memories I experienced will stay with me for the rest
of my life.
Ursuline Academy
St. Louis, MO
Sarah Lowery
Senior
Nominated by:
Nicole Weston,
Campus Minister at Ursuline Academy
St. Louis, MO
Sarah went to Haiti this summer on a service mission team. She is a true model of
Serviam! Sarah is also the senior class president and serves her classmates and
community on a regular basis!
Describe your service: This summer I went to Miragoane, Haiti with a group of 18
from my parish. We were located at the Life Teen Mission Base. We spent the bulk of
our days doing work at the base, everything from painting and cleaning to building
doors and windows. Our goal was to get the base ready for more groups to come so
that the work would be taken out into the community. We also spent a lot of time in the
community praying with Haitians and sharing the gospel with them.
What difference does your service make? My work made a difference because now
larger groups will be able to come and stay while they do work on homes around the
community. Our testimonies and prayers also helped styrengthen the faith of not only
the Haitians but the American missionaries serving there.
How is the service important in your life? I had always dreamed of an opportunity
like this, but never imagined it would be available to me. Since I was not yet 18, I had to
bring a parent with me. Getting my Dad to come was truly a miracle. I honestly believe
that it was in God’s plan for me to go to Haiti because it opened my eyes to so many
things and truly showed me all the blessings in my life. Serviam also translated there
because aside from the required work, we had a lot of smaller opportunities to serve
by cleaning up after dinner or befriending a Haitian. I really loved my time there and
plan to return in June.
Kathryn Ellebracht
Senior
Nominated by:
Kathleen Stinehart,
Theology Teacher at Ursuline Academy
St. Louis, MO
Kathryn has a heart for serving. She has begun an organization to bring happiness to
chilfen with cancer and has encouraged others to join her in this wonderful endeavor.
Describe your service: In July 2013 I started Tutus for a Smile. We give tutus to
anyone who needs a smile, especially young girls with cancer. We work through
Friends of Kids with Cancer and Cardinal Gennon Children’s Hospital. I started out
making tutus with my mom, but I knew I had to enlist the help of more people so we
could spread the smiles to more young girls who desperately them. Using social mdia, I
raised over $350 to purchase suppies to make the tutus. At school we initiated Tutu
Tuesdays inviting students and faculty to stay after school to make tutus.
What difference does your service make? We have not just given smiles to the
young girls suffering from cancer, but also everyone involved in making the tutus. One
of the best days of my life was going to the Friends of Kids with Cancer Christmas party
to hand out our tutus for the first time. Seeing the girls get so genuinely excited about
receiving a tutu and feeling beautiful like princesses brought tears to my eyes. I believe
that through this organization, I am showing people that you don’t have to do
extravagant things to make a difference in the world. A smile can truly make a
difference.
How is the service important in your life? My brother had cancer when he was very
young. He was in and out of hospitals for most of his childhood. Seeing all those young
suffering kids, even as a little girls and still to this day, I’ve always been drawn to doing
something to help. It is something that is very close to my heart and is very important
to me and my family. So many people and organizations helped my brother and my
family when he was suffering with cancer, and it feels good to give back.
Danielle Wohlstadter
Junior
Nominated by:
Nicole Weston
Danielle has a tremendouse passion for serving the people of Joplin, Missouri which
was devastated by an F5 tornado in May 2011. She has volunteered in Joplin four
different times since the tornado destroyed this community. Her most recent visit was
this past summer. I think she is so deserving of this award because she has shown a
deep desire to serve this community. She keeps going back and this shows a true
commitment.
Danielle lives the Ursuline values of service, courtesy, loyalty and courage through her
attitude and actions in her everyday dealings with peers and teachers. She has a total
of 340.5 service hours. Most of these hours were for service in Joplin and in New
Orleans. She also volunteers at The Ronald McDonald House.
Describe your service: During my last trip to Joplin with a group of my classmates,
we had two projects. The first was to put drywall in a house. We learned the technique
of putting up drywall and how to use power tools. The second project was to complete
a house for a family. We covered nails, cleaned the floors, laid tile, prepared the house
for inspection, and moved in furniture.
What difference does your service make? I think we helped the people of Joplin. In
addition, I learned that the smallest act could make a difference. By spreading dirt on
someone’s lawn I addressed a need. I prepared a family’s home for inspection and that
meant the family had a permanent home.
How is the service important in your life? By participating in four separate trips to
Joplin, I developed a passion for serving that community. I learned about myself and
learned life lessons I will never forget. I learned serving my community was my
passion and I pray it never leaves me. I have seen God work through this community
and even myself. I couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences I have had over the
course of these trips.
Ursuline Academy
Wilmington, DE
Anna Clare Desch
Sophomore
Nominated by:
Meg Kane-Smith,
Theology Teacher at Ursuline Academy, Wilmington
Anna Clare volunteered at her parish Vacation Bible School and at our school’s
Summer Fun camp program. She is a natural volunteer; she sees what needs to be
done and does it. She is also a member of Angela’s Angels here at school. She shows
initiative in coming up with new ideas and has very good follow-through. She is a
lector and altar server. Her friendliness to all and positive attitude adds so much to the
Ursuline community.
Describe your service: The Special Olympics and The Arc party are fundraisers for
mentally challenged adults. I participated in the Polar Bear plunge that benefited the
Special Olympics of Delaware. In the middle of January 2013, a group of Ursuline
students, including myself, plunged into the freezing waters off Rehoboth beach! We
had to raise at least $75 dollars to take part in this event, and I was able to raise over
$250 dollars! This was a great experience, even though the ocean was freezing. I can’t
wait to participate at this event in 2014. The Arc Party, was one of my favorite service
projects. Ursuline hosts an annual Christmas party for mentally disabled patients. Last
year was my first year volunteering at this event. It was a humbling experience and it
made me smile as the patients shared their Christmas joy. This event allowed adults
with intellectual disabilities find opportunities to forget their differences, believe in
themselves, and share in the joy of Christmas, like everyone else. I also look forward to
volunteering and organizing Ursuline’s Arc Party this year.
The Pike Creek running club holds an annual run that benefits The B+ foundation and
other charities. At this run, which I have done twice, I hand out waters to the runners.
This was such a fun experience, especially doing it with a group of my friends!
At St. Mary Magdalene and St. Mary of Assumption, I was a group leader at their
Vacation Bible camps. These camps presented young children with the message of God.
To be able to teach young children the power of God’s love and share in their
developing faith was incredible. I really enjoyed my experience at these camps.
At the Ursuline summer camp, I had the opportunity to work with young children in
their academic fields. Helping to build the foundations of these children’s future was
awesome.
I really wanted to get involved in my own community at Ursuline. I started by being an
altar server freshman year. Though it may seem like a simple task to many, altar
serving has a deeper meaning. Knowing that I was serving God and participating in the
masses offered to Him, was special to me. Serving my community with this simple but
spiritual mission built up my faith. Before I came to Ursuline I had served for four
years at my parish. Having served freshman year as well, I felt that I had fulfilled my
catholic duty. However I stilled wanted to continue serving my community. Then I was
asked by my theology teacher to serve as a lector at mass. I willingly accepted,
knowing that this was the perfect way to stay involved.
What difference does your service make? My hope is that the people I served, are
currently open to God’s loving and caring arms. I hope they realize that there are many
people, like me, who care about them and want to see them succeed. I have confidence
that each child I worked with will willingly accept God’s presence and grow for the
benefit of others.
How is this service important in your life? My biggest goal in life is to make an
impact on the life of someone else. I want to be able to make a difference. These service
opportunities give me the privilege of serving others. It brings me so much joy to
experience what service can do to your life. Performing service has contributed to my
personal growth and self-esteem. I am able to give my time for the betterment of
others. I feel that I have a civic responsibility to serve my community. Service builds a
strong character that makes you want to learn, achieve, and make a difference. I want
to share my stories with others. I want people around me to understand the influence
of service. The impact of volunteering and helping others is awesome. I really want to
spread the word to other students. I want to share my goals with others and make
them want to make a difference and reach high by helping others around them.
Elsa Kegelman
Junior
Nominated by:
Meg Kane-Smith
Elsa has a strong sense of service in her whole being. She volunteered with adults with
developmental disabilities to which she brought her enthusiasm, kindness and genuine
interest in the lives of others. She brings this same spirit to our school where she is
very involved with music and theater. She is assertive and never afraid to speak her
own mind with insightful comments. She truly models the spirit of St. Angela!
Describe your service: I was a volunteer counselor at the Children and Youth
Program at the Mary Campbell Center, a home for developmentally disabled adults.
The MCC hosts a summertime camp for youths who might one day apply to be
residents at the Center, spread out over 5 two-week sessions. Part of my job as a
volunteer included leading games, helping with crafts and snacks, monitoring the
campers while they played, cleaning up the play areas and kitchen in the morning and
after camp was dismissed, and swimming with the campers in the pool.
What difference does your service make? I think my service made a difference in
my community because I met a lot of young people (volunteers) and children whom I
otherwise wouldn’t have met. My community is very small, so I often see these people
around town and say hello. I enjoyed interacting with the children and I really feel like
I had a connection with some of them.
How is this service important in your life? This service was important in my life
because it taught me how to interact with people that I had never had experiences with
before. It also instilled in me a work-like mindset and a sense of responsibility that I
would have otherwise not acquired. I keep up with my volunteer friends and the news
from the MCC.
Valerie Quinones
Senior
Nominated by:
Meg Kane-Smith
Valerie serves God through her voice. She has been the director of her parish’s
children’s choir and has assisted in directing the regular church choir as well as singing
for weddings and quinceaneras. She is the youth group leader for her church and also
is a Spanish interpreter for the Diocese of Wilmington. Valerie exudes joy and
kindness and is truly a young woman whom St. Angela would have been proud to call
an Ursuline student.
Describe your service: I have served my parish, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, by being
an active participant for the Church Choir for the past 8 years and Director of the
Children’s Choir. I am also a leader of the youth group, participating by preaching,
singing, fund-raising, doing service projects and being a peer counselor.
What difference does your service make? I feel like I am helping people of all ages
praise God through song and other methods. I also feel as though I am somewhat of a
role model for younger children because I have been serving at this Church for most of
my life and I want children to serve and be active in the Church as well. Also, with
youth group preaching, we explain and talk about the Word of God in a way that
teenagers will understand it. Since my community is troubled, I feel like I am helping
them to have faith in the Church and to come and serve. How is this service important in your life. I remember serving at Church most of my
life, and I like the feeling of completeness when I serve. I also feel like somehow, when
I serve, I impact someone’s life. Singing is my strength and I sing to praise God and my
goal is to touch people with the message of the song. I also just love helping people. It
makes me feel useful, and to me, serving at Church is my purpose.
Chuhan Zhou
Senior
Nominated by:
Meg Kane-Smith
Chuhan volunteered this past summer in New Orleans with students from other
Ursuline schools. Her constant cheerful demeanor and excellent work ethic make her a
wonderful volunteer. She also has been a teaching assistant at the Delaware Chinese
School for two years and has volunteered at Ursuline’s Lower School extended day
program. She is such a credit to our school with her enthusiasm, gentle spirit and kind
manner.
Describe your service: I volunteered with other Ursuline students with the St.
Bernard Parish Project in New Orleans where we helped build a house for victims of
hurricane Katrina. I laid floors and hung trim and doors.
What difference did your service make? I think I brought hope to those people who
still need to rebuild their homes. They won’t feel alone and they will know that a lot of
people still care about them even though Katrina has passed for almost 9 years. For my
homeowner, Ms. Gwin, I think I made a difference to her by spreading God’s love
through my actions. I believe she will be willing to give back to her community.
How is this service important in your life? I learned a positive spirit from my
homeowner and other people in New Orleans. Even though they once lost everything,
they still appreciate their lives with all their hearts and never give up their hopes. That
experience reinforced my thought about volunteering in Third World countries; also it
prepared me well for longer distances and challenging environments. Because of the
convenient network, the globe is becoming closer and closer; as a matter of fact we
often refer to ourselves as “Citizens of the World.” Hence, I think it’s our responsibility
to help those people who have disadvantaged lives to have a better quality of life.
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH
William Koch and Ursuline College Science Students
Nominated by:
Joann Piotrkowski,
Campus Minister at Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH
Describe your service: The Ursuline College Science Students, led by William Koch,
offered free vision screenings to school age children at The Family Fun Fest, an annual
event at the College.
What difference does your service make? Free vision screenings helped confirm
healthy vision for most children test, but did identify the need for further examination
for some.
How is the service important in your life? It is gratifying to know that parents and
children were assisted through our offer of free vision screenings.
Fashion Focus Student Organization
Nominated by:
Joanne Piotrkowski
Describe your service: The students collected six boxes of toys and helped sort all
toys collected as part of the Cleveland USMC Toys for Tots program.
What difference does your service make? The Ursuline College students helped
many children in the Cleveland area to receive a toy at Christmas by participating with
the Marines in their annual toy collection.
How is the service important in your life? The students got a real perspective on
how huge this annual Marine led project is. It also felt great to receive a “Hoo Rah” at
the conclusion of our service!
Villa Angela/St Joseph High School
Cleveland, OH
Melanie Duffy
Junior
Nominated by:
Jill Latkovich
Service Coordinator/ Campus Minister at VASJ
Melanie has such a positive attitude and generous spirit She led the initiative to create
a “clothing shop” by organizing a room of donated clothes. It was a daunting task! The
children and young adults who were residents of the Rosemary Center had an
opportunity to “shop” for and select their clothing. Melanie continues to participate in
the project regularly.
Describe your service: I volunteer at the Rosemary Center in Euclid, Ohio where I
have helped set up and run a clothing shop for the residents. My tasks included sorting,
organizing and distributing clothes and accessories as needed and making seasonal
changes in the shop.
What difference does your service make? I have impacted positively the lives of
children at the Rosemary Center. In assisting them in their search for clothing and
accessories, I have made their needs and wants matter. I have also assisted the
Center’s director and other employees in doing this and thus relieved some of their
stress.
How is the service important in your life? Volunteering at the Rosemary Center has
opened my eyes and helped me to understand people. I have become very familiar with
some residents and have gotten to know some employees as well. All in all, this service
is beneficial to me because it gives me an opportunity to aid and assist people in need.
Kortni Spates
Senior
Nominated by:
Jill Latkovich
Kortni was instrumental in organizing the “Village Clothing Shop” at the Rosemary
Center. It began only as an idea with a room filled with donated clothes. Kortni is very
organized and a hard worker. She has been committed to seeing this project through
from beginning to end.
Describe your service: I help sort and organize clothes for the children who are
residents at this facility.
What difference does your service make? I help things move swiftly and assisted
the employees of the Center. My work assisted the Director of Volunteers immensely in
organizing the clothing area.
How is this service important in your life? It is important because I was able to
interact with other kids who are disabled. This was something I was not comfortable
doing at first, but I learned to adjust and moved out of my comfort zone.
Morgan Adrine
Sophomore
Nominated by:
Jill Latkovich
Morgan pursued a service project most students talk about but never follow through to
accomplish. After her application interview and volunteer training, Morgan took full
advantage of the opportunities that were available. Most notable was her decision to
“foster” two puppies and two bunnies until they were able to be adopted. She
developed a bond with the animals despite her awareness that she would have to give
them up eventually. This was both courageous and selfless.
Describe your service: I volunteered at the Cleveland Animal Protective League,
where I assisted in housekeeping and dog grooming duties. I also fostered several
animals.
What difference does your service make? My service made a difference to the
community because without volunteers the League would not be able to operate. The
volunteer help is dearly appreciated and keeps APL open and running. Also, by
fostering animals I gave them a nice home and the love and attention they needed.
How is the service important in your life? This service was important in my life
because not only do I enjoy helping others and my community, I love animals and like
to work with them. This made my service at the League a lot more fun. It gave me
satisfaction to see how my time was not only appreciated by the supervisors but the
animals too.
Nicholas Phelps
Sophomore
Nominated by:
Jill Latkovich
Nick had an opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Panama with his family and
parish. I see that his faith and relationship with God increased and developed as a
result of his service. He was aware that God was present and working through this
experience.
Describe your service: I participated in a mission trip to Panama City with the Word
of Grace Church. With the other volunteers we went into schools and prayed for the
kids. We also performed skits and spent time with the children.
What difference does your service make? I would like to think I made a big
difference in the kids’ lives. It made me so happy to see their faces light up when they
saw us. I got choked up thinking about how many of them are abused.
How is this service important in your life? Just spending time with them changed
my life. Seeing what they have to go through, where they have to go to school, the
crime and drugs, the garbage . . .it all got me to think how easy I live. It brought me
closer to God. I tear up when we prayed for the kids by laying our hands on them and
the kids were crying too. Also I was moved when the kids asked us if we wanted them
to pray for us. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the kids and
wishing I was back in Panama.
Joshua Cleveland-Robinson
Sophomore
Nominated by:
Jill Latkovich
Joshua is a very humble person. He does not like to be in the spotlight. He just does
what he does because he loves it. He volunteers at Family Promise of Greater Cleveland
for families who are homeless. He is joyful when he talks about his experiences. He
helps in many ways – through direct interaction with clients or working in the
background cleaning.
Describe your service: I volunteer at Family Promise of Greater Cleveland, a shelter
for homeless families. I helped watch some of the kids while the parents went
somewhere or too a needed break.
What difference does your service make? I helped take a load off the parents’ stress
with their situation. Some people just need someone there to help with anything they
might need.
How is the service important in your life? It was important in my life because these
people really struggle and they need help. I really like to be there for those who might
need me.