by Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Grace Barnett, Maren Campbell, Angelina Homsy, Michael Stoll, and Kate Sullivan proudly received Recognize A Youth (R.A.Y.) awards in the Common Room of the Westwood Library.
Katy Colthart, the Westwood Youth & Family Services director, said the R.A.Y award program was created by the Westwood Rotary and Westwood Youth & Family Services (WY&FS) to recognize outstanding citizenship by Westwood’s young people. Recipients of the award have distinguished themselves through their initiative and commitment to community service and have demonstrated an ethic of caring for others that is essential to the health of our community.
Speaking next, Aaron Buczek, President of the Westwood Rotary, discussed how his organization focuses on service to their community, finding needs and helping to fill them.
Colthart then announced each award winner, telling attendees about the winners’ admirable contributions to their community.
Grace Barnett, a Westwood High School Junior, was nominated by Lina Arena-DeRosa, the Director of the Council on Aging in Westwood. Arena-DeRosa said that Barnett is thoughtful and has a passion for working with elders. Barnett produced much appreciated holiday and spring concerts for the elderly with her string trio, All Strings Considered.
Maren Campbell, a Westwood High School Senior, was nominated by Jacklyn Wong. Campbell works for a more inclusive environment with the unified track team. She is also a member of the Friendship Club, Meals on Wheels, and other helping organizations.
Angelina Homsy, a Westwood High School Junior, was also nominated by Council on Aging Director Lina Arena-DeRosa. Arena-DeRosa said that Homsy is a kind and thoughtful person who created small kitchen gardens for people. She is in the Key Club and is also working on her Gold Star with the Girl Scouts.
Michael Stoll, a Westwood High School Senior, was nominated by Tania Rooney. Rooney said Stoll is a caring, sensitive, and hardworking person. He works in extended day and recreation programs with families having special needs children. He also set up a web page for families needing to find babysitters.
Lastly, Kate Sullivan, a Westwood High School Junior, was nominated by her friend Ava. Ava said that Sullivan is a sweet, kind person who is also volunteering. She is a field hockey coach for younger kids and worked with the Learn to Skate event.
Barnett, Campbell, and Stoll spoke to the attendees about their work. Unfortunately, Homsy and Sullivan couldn’t attend the ceremony, but they received the appreciation of the attendees.
Westwood is so fortunate to have such selfless and involved young people who are making a difference for others. The Westwood Youth & Family Services and Westwood Rotary have created a program that celebrates their spirit of social responsibility and empathy. Congratulations to the R.A.Y. award winners!
