LCHS Junior Wins Agency's Charity and Service Award
Jan 18th, 10
A Lexington Catholic Junior is the recipient of the first-ever Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington’s “Charity and Service Award.” Claire Waller, daughter of Sonny and Jennifer Waller, received her award at the December 10 board meeting of Catholic Charities. Her entry will represent the diocese in the national “Charity and Social Service Award” contest, sponsored by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
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The Charity and Service Award is designed to recognize a high school sophomore or junior for their efforts to minister to others via the Corporal Works of Mercy. “The national award was inspired by the Holy Father’s message to youth on World Youth Day in February,” said Ruslyn Case-Compton, director of the diocesan Catholic Charities agency. The Pope encouraged youth to “cultivate love of neighbor” putting their time and talents into service for the common good.
“We felt that this award fit nicely into Catholic Charities own mission to empower and assist residents of the Diocese to improve their quality of life,” Case-Compton said. “It’s a big job, many hands are needed, and who better than our young people, the future leaders of our community? They should be recognized and encouraged.”
During the award presentation, Waller was commended for her commitment to helping others. During the 2008-09 school year, she performed over 160 hours of service for 12 community organizations. Her 3-minute video entry featured photos of the many events and activities she has participated in.
Waller received a certificate and cash prize from Catholic Charities. In addition, $100 was donated to the Catholic Action Center in her honor. Ginny Ramsey, co-director of the Catholic Action Center was on hand to receive the donation. “I feel like we didn’t do much to deserve this donation,” Ramsey said, “We just provided Claire with the opportunity for service.”
In a gesture which brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance at the meeting, Claire donated her cash prize to the Catholic Action Center. “I was raised in a family which values service,” Waller said. “It’s all about giving glory to God.”