Emerson D’Amato
Hello my name is Emerson D’Amato and I am a graduating senior from Dracut High School. During my four years at DHS I was an active member of my student council and class executive board. For the Class of 2022 Executive Board I held the position of Treasurer during my freshman, junior, and senior years as well as Class Representative my sophomore year. Student Council became a passion of mine and I wanted to do more on the regional and state levels.
On the regional level for the North Eastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils I was elected President my Senior year and elected Vice President my Junior year. Student Council has provided me with many experiences and unforgettable opportunities to meet and collaborate with fellow leaders across the state, as well as work with numerous charities and organizations. I loved being involved in high school with different clubs and activities and helping to plan events for my school. Lastly, I am a competitive dancer and remained active on my Competitive Dance Team all four years of high school. It is going to be very difficult to let these activities go, but I look forward to new beginnings at the University of Alabama. Thank you to Kiwanis for awarding me with this scholarship, I am very grateful!
Sarah Evans
My name is Sarah Evans, and I am a graduating high school senior from Chelmsford High School. Throughout my time in high school, I’ve participated in a variety of activities such as my school’s CHSTv Club and Girl Scouts. I have also served my community through local politics. I served this year as Student Representative to the School Committee, as well as a member of the Civic Action Club, where we worked to create a website to distribute the most recent Town Election candidates’ information to young voters. I will be attending Grinnell College in the fall, where I plan to double major in Political Science and English, and am very grateful to the Kiwanis Club for this scholarship opportunity!
Ryan Guilmette
My name is Ryan Guilmette and I am currently a senior at Tyngsboro High School. Over the past couple of years I have dedicated much of my time towards community service. Most of the service projects I have contributed towards have taken place in my home town of Tyngsboro. This service consists of volunteering at Tyngsboro youth baseball and basketball camps, setting up for the block party, the Big Red tournament, and helping teachers move their classrooms for the upcoming year. During the summer of 2020, when the pandemic had just begun, I started a baseball camp for young athletes so they could continue playing in a safe environment. The kids really enjoyed this experience and it ended up being a very fun way to contribute to my town. I also have done some work for local charity workforces such as raising donations totaling to over 750 meals for the Merrimack Valley Food bank and volunteering at the annual Manolis Foundation golf tournament. I am honored to receive this scholarship and will continue to contribute to my community.
Jayden Kelly
I am honored to be a recipient of the scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell. My experience in community service has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I have enjoyed mentoring and coaching athletes participating in the Special Olympics, working within my own town with elementary school students, and coaching young athletes in both basketball and softball. In addition, I have volunteered time raising funds and donations for various local causes and organizations. While volunteering, I work hard to foster positivity and instill confidence in others with a focus on kindness and respect. As a result of community service, I have become more patient and understanding of the challenges that people and families face. I’ve learned that everyone has something to offer and even a simple gesture of kindness can have a huge effect on others. Community service allows me to build positive relationships and directly make a difference in people’s lives. I aspire to set a positive example for younger generations and show that we can all do our part to make the world a better place. I am inspired by the selflessness of volunteers with whom I have worked and who have given countless hours to help others and make each event and activity a success. Thank you again for this recognition.
Thomas "Tommy" King
My name is Thomas King, but everyone calls me Tommy, and I am a senior at Lowell Catholic High School. Throughout my time at LC, I have been the captain of the golf team, a representative on the Student Council, a National Honors Society inductee, and a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School leadership member while also completing over 235 hours of community service. Through my community service experiences, I have made a positive impact on a variety of different people.
My mom is a nurse manager at Tewksbury State Hospital, treating several people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every year my mom’s floor hosts a carnival themed barbeque for the patients to enjoy the warm weather while eating food and being surrounded by other individuals. My brothers and I help set up the carnival, inflate all of the blow up slides and pools, set up all of the water toys, play with the patients with water balloons and water guns, and help pass out and clean up the food. Her patients are always overwhelmed with excitement and it is always a good time.
I spent a week in early January of this year going back and assisting my middle school, the Immaculate Conception School in Lowell. During the week, I helped out wherever I was needed. I graded papers for the teachers, made copies, played with the kids outside at recess, organized classrooms and closets, and helped some students with their work. Being exposed to education for a week, consolidated the fact that I was sure I wanted to study education in college.
I volunteered my time as the Varsity Hockey and Varsity Lacrosse manager this year. During hockey season, I took stats for the team, made sure the water was filled, stacked all of the back up sticks near the bench, and filmed some of the games. During lacrosse season, I took stats, filled the water jug, carried the balls to the field, and set up the field before every home game. I was also able to grow closer to my classmates right before graduating.
My wide variety of service experiences, opened my eyes to struggles of society, making me grateful for what I am fortunate enough to have. I learned that service does not have to be an aspect of poverty outreach or caring for the sick, but it is the selfless task of helping others and asking for nothing in return.