Keystone Oaks High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
Volunteerism has shaped me into the person I am today. It is so easy to lose sight of how lucky you are when you are acclimated to such a fortunate lifestyle. However I believe I was raised in an environment that emphasized the importance of giving back. As a part of the math club we participated in a group activity to go to a local nursing home to play bingo with the patients. It was an amazing feeling to see the smiles on their faces when we were accompanying them in something that seems so minuscule to us. During the holiday season, I also participate in an annual Toy Drive in Lawrenceville and a program called Teddy Bear Holiday. Volunteering during this time of year holds a special place in my heart because I know how special Christmas is to younger kids who wait for this day all year long. However, it upsets me that all children cannot experience such an incredible holiday. So I helped collect all the toys that the people donated and I bought gifts for the children we were assigned for the Teddy Bear Holiday. The children who received presents were completely elated. I was also a team member of my best friend Caitlin Workmaster’s Student of the Year Campaign. Our goal was to fundraise for cancer research for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As part of a group, I helped her organize various events such as a Hoops for the Cure basketball game, bake sales, and reached our goal and raised $10,894.61. The simplest things can make such a difference and sometimes that is all it takes. I am certain that having the desire to give back and help others will open many doors in the future. Possessing such a mentality will provide me with the opportunity to take my aspirations of helping others to greater proportions and I cannot wait to see what they will be.