On Thursday November 7th, we had the annual presentation of our Service Above Self awards. Erik Ungewitter started by introducing the special guests attending to introduce to this extraordinary group of young individuals who have exemplified the true spirit of service and compassion throughout their high school careers:
- Ms. Maggie Harrington-Esko, Principal of Pittsfield High School
- Ms. Angela Johansen, Principal of Taconic High School
- THS Guidance: Brianne DeMarco, Nicole Arace, & Tyler Weinstein
- PHS Guidance: AnnMarie Mutz & Meghann Marcella
Our award winners, the charity that they are donation there $200.00 stipend to and some quick notes of their many accomplishments follow:
From Pittsfield High School:
Lisa Chin- Strong Little Souls: Ranked number one in her class with an GPA of 104; volunteer activities include the Berkshire United Way, food pantries, BMC, the Berkshire Museum, 18 Degrees. A musician who has traveled the country and participated in many clubs. Hoping to study psychology.
Dominique Billups: American Red Cross: maintains a GPA greater than 90 while taking Advanced Placement and honors classes; enlisted in the national army guard and completed basic training during the summer; football and track; volunteers through several school activities; hoping to study business or marketing
Caroline Sherman: Jake Hescock Win the Day Foundation: Ranked third in her class with a GPA of 103.4; 7 Advanced Placement classes and all others honors; an athlete and sports leader; volunteers with Civitan ,City Council and the Sheriff's political campaigns, Boys and Girls Club; lead the school's kindness week; President of the class council; hoping to study engineering.
From Taconic High School:
Kyle McGrath: Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity: consistently maintains high honors; Boys basketball: all Western Mass and All Berkshires; link crew leader; volunteers through food drives, Thanksgiving Angels, park clean ups, and basketball camps. Hoping to study marketing and business.
Evan Bachard: Berkshire Humane Society: founding member of the business tech program that Taconic recently started; volunteers through community cleanups, Thanksgiving Angels, link crew leader; Current president of skills USA; maintains high honors; AP courses and honors classes at BCC
Kaitlyn Timoney: Lee Community Tennis Association: was one of our October students of the month; foundational member of the horticulture program at Taconic; Revived the tennis team by recruiting members; maintains high honors; works multiple jobs while playing multiple sports and participating with multiple clubs.
Congratulations to all the award recipients and thanks to their parents, guardians, families and teachers once again for their involvement in supporting these young adults their volunteer efforts and for being excellent role models. Many thanks to the Rotary Service Above Self selection Committee members, Kelly & Jay Marion and Erik Ungewitter.