Pictured include: front row: Treyton Damerval and Nicole Klostermann; seated from left: Callie Shearer, Hope Bitner, Carleigh Aljets, Katy Fish, Sarah Wetrich, Claire Carlson, Caroline Carlson, Abby Walker; standing from left: Luke McDonald, Paul Cartwright, Sam Kramer, Aaron Roane, and Austin Luebbers.
Twenty-three Ottumwa High School seniors will wear a silver cord during graduation on Sunday, May 24. Silver Cord recipients volunteered at least 200 hours to their community during their four years in high school. As a group, the 2015 recipients volunteered 6,765 hours.
Abby Walker volunteered 472 hours during her four years. Walker donated time to her church, was a counselor at a special needs camp last year, and volunteered for three years as a camp counselor for 5th grade science camp. Most of her volunteer efforts were spent with Operation Christmas Child, filling shoe boxes with fun items for needy children world-wide. "It makes you feel good about yourself that you were able to help," said Walker of her time spent helping others.
Using his ham radio skills, Paul Cartwright volunteered 460 hours for a variety of organizations and events, including Race For the Cure, Oktoberfest, and a race at Living History Farms. He has also helped with other events such as Holiday Nights 'n Lights in Ottumwa Park."It's fun to volunteer," said Cartwright. "If I can help people, I'd like to." This attitude even includes carrying supplies in his truck that others might need to borrow.
Katy Fish used her faith and previous interests to guide her volunteer efforts. She gave 448 hours to volunteer with Lego League for four years and assist her church with Vacation Bible School. Following a similar path, Sarah Wetrich took a mission trip to Haiti, helped with the Rotary Chicken BBQ, and was a 5th grade camp counselor for three years. "Volunteering makes you a more well-rounded person," said Wetrich.
The 2015 Silver Cord recipients include: Carleigh Aljets, Hope Bitner, Isabella Brauhn, Michal Brauhn, Aundria Burton, Caroline Carlson, Claire Carlson, Paul Cartwright, Taylor Clark, Katlynn Cram, Treyton Damerval, Katy Fish, Shane Frazier II, Jordan Jones, Nicole Klostermann, Samuel Kramer, Callie Lawson, G. Austin Luebbers, Luke McDonald, Aaron Roane, Callie Shearer, Abigail Walker, and Sarah Wetrich.
