Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Emma Howald
11th Grade, PA
ATTRIBUTES
Community Service
My position at the local hospital as a volunteer is something I've been involved in since eighth grade. I have served over 350 hours to the patients and medical staff through running errands and providing a positive and uplifting atmosphere for all who enter the hospital. Volunteers help by discharging patients, transporting medical supplies and delivering flowers. I believe that visitors that enter the hospital would rather be somewhere else. Whether they are there for medical testing, or to visit a sick or dying relative, the hospital gets a bad reputation for being a gloomy place. I consider a small act such as spreading a warm smile or greeting them as they enter the door as a great impact on their overall experience, for that may be the only smile they see all day.
Other Achievements
In 10th grade, I got the opportunity to go to a state conference through the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC). I learned a great amount about new leadership skills and how to get along with my council to ensure more successful activities and events. My advisor approached me about applying to be the next host school for the 2013 state conference. I, along with a couple other sophomores planned a PowerPoint and packet presentation for the PASC State Executive Board. We were up against two other schools within the state.The board decided to chose Boyertown Senior High School to host the 2013 conference. Not long after that, I applied and interviewed for the position of conference co-chair, to be a main, driving force behind the conference.
Faith
My faith is very important to me. Along with attending mass every Sunday morning or Saturday evening, I am very involved in our parish. I have been altar serving at Saint Coulmbkill Parish since I was in 4th grade, to serve the priest during the mass. I attended monthly meetings to grow closer to God and just started the new program, FISH (Faith In Serving Him) to discuss topics of a Catholic teenager nowadays. Every summer, we attend a youth conference in Kingston, Rhode Island to build a relationship with God. The conference, Steubenville Youth Conference, is three days of praising God through music and prayer. I believe that one must play an active role in their church to serve God and the community to share talents that God has so graciously given us.
