Yough Senior High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in my community by doing volunteer work. Since entering high school, I have joined my school’s Community Action Program, SADD, National Honor Society, The Future Is Mine (a career development and leadership program), Student Council, Senior Mentoring, and French National Honor Society. By participating in each of these organizations, I have had the opportunity to make blankets for kids at Children’s Hospital, work multiple benefits for individuals experiencing unfortunate circumstances, volunteer at drug symposiums, and complete physical labor to enhance my high school. I have also been able to raise money for Children’s Hospital, the Ronald Mcdonald Foundation, and the Make A Wish Foundation. Although each experience was impactful in its own way, one particular experience will stick with me forever.
Three years ago, a student in one of our elementary schools, Neveah, was diagnosed with cancer. As her condition worsened, one of the things she always wanted to experience was attending a school dance and being crowned as the “queen”. This was heartbreaking because for someone so young and being so close to death, her only wish was so innocent. We all agreed that we had to make this happen for her. Myself and a group of students from CAP/SADD spent weeks coordinating and planning a dance with a red carpet, a crown, and flowers for her where she would be the center of attention. Every student supported and cheered her on in her special moment. I can remember every student lined along the red carpet clapping loudly as she walked down it.
Unfortunately not long after the dance, she did pass away. Although it was terribly sad for our entire school district, I felt proud that we helped her experience the night she had always dreamed about. At one of our football games every November, almost everyone brings tubs of playdoh to donate to Children’s Hospital because it was something she enjoyed playing with when she was sick. The community also takes part in other events in her memory for kids just like her. Knowing and helping Neveah taught me that no matter how innocent something may seem, no one truly knows how impactful a small act of kindness can be for someone.
Life is very short. You should not waste it sitting around. If I learned one thing from Neveah, it is that you should seize your opportunities while you have them. Go out and help others. Whether it is by helping your neighbor cut their grass or by volunteering at a local senior center, anything can make a difference in someone’s life. People appreciate your acts of kindness more than you think and they will be recognized.