Mantua – As you may expect, at the recent eight grade awards night, Crestwood Middle School students were honored for their accomplishments in academics, sports, and school leadership. But special recognition was given to honor students’ involvement in their community, as well. CMS teacher Kim Marfy explained, “In January, our students were challenged to complete 15 hours of community service in an effort to meet a social studies standard that shows the connection between civic/political engagement and reaching personal goals.”
She explained that the project was entirely optional and there were no requirements as to where a student had to complete their service. If students chose to participate, they could be considered for the CMS Hero program, giving them the opportunity to earn $100 for the organization of their choice. To be considered for the program, students had to complete at least 15 hours of service and submit an application highlighting their service at the organization and why they chose to serve there. A committee convened to review the applications in order to select the student who would be named CMS Hero for 2018. Marfy was pleased to note that sixteen students participated in this worthwhile endeavor. Their efforts are highlighted below.
Ericka Hager spent time during her study hall working with 6th graders who struggled to meet academic deadlines. Sophie Martin helps at St. Joe’s parish by serving meals and helping with clean up in the dining hall.
Sarah Maretka also served at St’ Joe’s parish. In the summer, she has worked long hours in the funnel cake booth at the Ox Roast, and in the winter, she has been an angel in the live nativity. Funds raised at each event were used to help replace the roof at St. Joe’s. She is also an altar server at mass, and helps serve community meals at the parish as well.
Gracie Schweickert spent 22 hours working with cognitively impaired children through Hearts for Music. This Saturday afternoon program allows children living with autism or Downs Syndrome to experience the joy of creating music. Elizabeth O’Bryant worked with residents at Hattie Larlham, taking residents for walks or assisting them with craft projects. In addition, she also volunteered at Reed Memorial Library, where she organized and dusted books.
Allison Wesley used her master organizational skills to sort, fold, and bring order to the clothes in CMS’s clothing closet, which makes the clothing selection process so much easier for students in need. In addition, Allison shopped for items for Thanksgiving dinners and delivered them to families in need. Zoe Turner volunteered at her church’s vacation Bible school as a 1st grade teacher in the summer 2017. She found it so rewarding she agreed to teach every Sunday, as well.
Emily Jo Jaeger spent 44 hours as an assistant with Miss Reed’s Volleyball camp helping 5th and 6th graders improve their skills. Sydney Coburn’s family is dedicated to helping veterans, and she stepped up when her grandma asked her to assist at a luncheon where funds raised would help veterans. Danny Masiello logged 84 hours as a coach for Junior Olympic Volleyball, where he led drills and set up lineups. He worked with the head coaches to determine player positions and worked to help the players to reach their potential.
Jynx Bretz served as an altar server at St. Joe’s parish. In addition, she worked with two other CMS students to organize a soap drive that saves lives in Cambodia by delivering soap and teaching the children proper sanitation and handwashing skills. Working with Bethy Albrecht and Ali Pope, the trio collected 200 pounds of soap that was shipped to Cambodia. In addition, the Crestwood High School Track Team also appreciated her work as a measuring expert at high school invitationals.
Kelsey Kulish earned hours at the Haven of Rest homeless shelter, where she made beds and organized donations for the homeless individuals that sleep there each night. In addition, she spent three very full days during her own spring break babysitting at no charge for a family with two children. Maddison Mariani volunteered her time at State Farm Insurance, Seneca Glass Company, Steetsboro Flea Market and CMS. At each location, she welcomed the assignments which ranged from cleaning, answering phones, organizing files and working on mailings.
Louie Blasiole has been an altar server at St. Joan of Arc since he was in the 4th grade, has volunteered at vacation bible school for the last three summers, and has worked in the kitchen and as a server at church dinners. In addition, he and his youth group purchased and wrapped Christmas gifts for low-income children and provided babysitting services during parent/teacher conferences at CHS. Natalie Marotta volunteered at the Akron Canton Foodbank, served at a community meal and at the Christmas boutique at St. Joe’s parish. She also stepped up to help her grandparents by cleaning and packing items to be donated to the Purple Hearts.
Allie Owen earned her service hours at Little Village Early Learning Center in Hiram. She helped the children with games and crafts during activities during special Parent’s Night Out evenings, helping to clean the facility afterwards. She also volunteered at an art show to benefit the Mantua Center Christian Church, and helped at community meals and at a clothing give-away as well.
“As the panel read Allie’s hero application, they took note of Allie’s introspection of her work,” Marfy explained. “She spoke of seeing people walk out of the clothing closet with huge bags of clothing that they desperately needed as the cold winter was approaching. She paid attention to the folks who were leaving the community dinner with a full stomach and a smile. She shared the thankful expressions of the parents who came to pick up their child at the daycare knowing that Allie had calmed their child and distracted the child from the fact that their mommy was away,” Marfy beamed. It’s no wonder that Allie was chosen as the 2018 CMS Hero of the year.
The Little Village Early Learning Center received a $100 donation in her name. Courtney Wagner, the Director at Little Village Early Learning Center was present to accept the donation. She shared, “Allie was always so helpful and eager to do anything we needed. She was great with the kids, something she no doubt learned from her mom, our toddler teacher.” Wagner noted that some of the money would be used to purchase water play activities for the summer, while the remainder would be used to prepare for the fall.
Marfy expressed her gratitude to parents who supported, transported and assisted their children in these altruistic efforts, as well as the CMS PTO for providing $100 for the chosen organization.
“Mostly, thank you to these amazing 16 students who rose to the challenge. You make us proud,” Marfy marveled.
