The Rotary Club of Westwood and Westwood Youth & Family Services (WY&FS) have announced the recipients of the 2018 Recognize A Youth (R.A.Y.) Award. Three Westwood High School students and a student from Downey Elementary School were honored recently at a Rotary Club reception at the Library. The recipients, through their actions, have demonstrated an ethic of caring for others that is essential for the health of the community. This year’s honorees are Olivia Goldberg, Ali Fleischer, Caroline McDonough, and Sasha Marino.
Olivia Goldberg is a senior at Westwood High School. She was nominated by Trish Tucke, the director of the Westwood Food Pantry. Olivia is a student member of the Food Pantry board and helped plan the town-wide Scouting For Food drive, as well as a food drive this spring. Olivia is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers with the PMC Kids Ride, and serves as a student board member on the WY&FS Advisory Board.
Ali Fleischer is also a senior at Westwood High School. She was nominated for the award by Jessica Cataldo of the WHS Guidance Department. Ali plays point guard on the WHS basketball team and volunteers her time coaching a 7th grade girls basketball team. She also volunteers as a leader on the WHS Unified Basketball Team, which aims to be inclusive of all students, regardless of ability.
Caroline McDonough is a junior at the high school. She was nominated by Karlene Duffy, the religious education director at Saint Margaret Mary. Caroline volunteers at the church in a number of capacities, including teaching a religious education class, assisting with the running of the vacation Bible camp, and participating in other events for children. She also gives of her time by mentoring elementary students and lending a hand at charitable events such as IAM Strong Foundation. Caroline served this season as a co-captain on the WHS girls hockey team.
Sasha Marino is a fifth grader at Downey Elementary School. Sasha was nominated by her karate instructor, Mr. Jackson. Sasha is a martial artist expected to earn her black belt in June. She volunteers her time raising funds for families in need, including participating in an annual push-up challenge fundraiser. This year, she completed 201 pushups in ten minutes. She also is involved with jazz band, friendship groups, student council and holiday collection drives of pajamas and books at her school.
At the ceremony, the honorees celebrated their accomplishments with their families and those that nominated them.
The Rotary Club of Westwood focuses its service efforts in six areas: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. The club supports the R.A.Y. Awards as a way to encourage and recognize the community service performed by the youth in Westwood. For more information about the Rotary Club of Westwood, visit www.westwoodrotary.com.
Nominations for the R.A.Y. Award are accepted year-round. For more information on the program and a nomination form visit the WY&FS page at www.townhall.westwood.ma.us.
