Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards

Photo: (Left to Right) Joey Anderson, Carly Koch,
Alayna Wessman and Cecilia Johnson.

Saint Therese recently awarded the 2013 Youth Volunteer Scholarships to four recipients. On April 11, over 50 people attended a celebration and had the opportunity to meet the outstanding youth. Each of the recipients was given a $1,000 educational scholarship. We are honored to recognize: Alayna Wessman, age 12, from Otsego, Joey Anderson, age 14, from Champlin, Carly Koch, age 16, from Minnetrista and Cecilia Johnson, age 18, from Brooklyn Park.

The Youth Volunteer Scholarship was created to recognize intergenerational connections and encourage other youth to engage with older adults. Earlier this year, the Saint Therese Foundation held a scholarship contest for youth ages 12 to 18 years old. Participants submitted a written essay or illustration demonstrating how volunteering with an older adult has impacted them.

“Youth who have taken the time to volunteer with an older adult are giving as much as they are gaining,” said Barbara Rode, Saint Therese President & CEO. “The youth volunteer scholarship was created in an effort to both recognize these youth volunteers and highlight the profound effect volunteering has on all those involved. We received many wonderful essays. It was inspiring to read what each person has contributed to, and gained from, their experiences.

The following quotes are taken from the recipients essays:

“[Volunteering] helped me realize the importance of helping others and giving time to your community and charities.”- Alayna Wessman

“Older people have done a lot to make our communities stronger and they have done a lot for the younger generations. Volunteering in ways that pay back makes a lot of sense and is the right thing to do.” - Joey Anderson

“This is what volunteering does. It makes you feel so good about making someone else happy for a moment.” - Carly Koch

“I started to volunteer in order to spend time with my great grandma, but the experience blossomed into even more than that. In truth, it actually became the basis for a lifestyle.” - Cecilia Johnson

Saint Therese is grateful for the time and commitment of all volunteers. The organization is happy to recognize the youth volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month. To read the recipients entire essays, please visit our website.