Ligonier Valley High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
Volunteerism has been the most outstanding factor in my life. Throughout high school, I have continually been involved in my community and felt the direct effects in my life. I have, personally, never experienced greater joy and fulfillment than when I am dedicating my time to others. In my school, I am greatly involved with community service efforts as the President of our Interact Club which is sponsored by our local Rotary Club of Ligonier and therefore rooted in service and community outreach. I have organized several charity fundraising events, namely annual Lip Sync Battles and Reverse Basketball Games, that prove both beneficial for our selected charity and a fun night for the community. Besides events that are traditionally just “fun”, I have organized and participated in opportunities including highway cleanups, serving at local Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast, blood drives, Rise Against Hunger food packing drives, parking cars at Fort Ligonier Days, facilitating activities at local elementary schools, and assisting in special education classrooms. Individually, I have sought out opportunities such as volunteering at Ligonier Light Up Night, the Autism Speaks Laurel Highlands charity walk, and by being a student teacher throughout high school at my local dance studio. Going forward, I know that my dedication to volunteering will not end when I graduate high school, or even college. I fully intend on integrating volunteerism, and the values of volunteerism, into my career goals. Further than simply the act of volunteering time and money, I have learned the meaning of compassion, selflessness, and teamwork. These are everlasting skills that will translate both into my personal life and into the workplace. I can attribute all that I have mentioned to volunteerism and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities it has provided me with and will continue to provide me with.