Service

Special Olypmics

The incredible people at Special Olympics have taught me to value and appreciate every person’s unique abilities.  

I began volunteering with Special Olympics-Greenwich in 6th grade. Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Their goal is to provide opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy in a supportive setting that fosters teamwork, community and true champions.  

Our local chapter offers a range of seasonal sports. Winter sports include figure and speed skating. I started figure skating in lower school and was exited to learn there was a local chapter in need of ice skating coaches. As a volunteer coach I was able to help Special Olympic athletes with compulsory skills and choreographed freestyle programs. These were performed at the annual regional Winter Olympic Games. I also helped coach golf, a sport I participate in as a member of the golf team at my school. Volunteer coaches act as partners and counselors to athletes, and share in all athletic training. At competition, athletes bring home medals, awards and most importantly, smiles!!! 

Special Olympics is more than an organization—it is a family—and one that provides unconditional caring, true selflessness, compassion and dedication.

Here is a documentary I made to try to capture the spirit of student volunteering, entitled What It Takes To Be Special.  

Alex’s Lemonade

Alex’s Lemonade has given me the power to make a difference in the lives of children facing pediatric cancer and their families by raising awareness and funding research.

The founder, Alex Scott, was a young girl who had a big dream. While battling neuroblastoma cancer, she worked hard to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer by holding lemonade stands. Her parents continued her legacy by creating Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

After attending their Student Leadership Academy, I not only became an ambassador, but also wanted to create a film to educate and inspire others. I titled my documentary Bitter♡Sweet.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is fighting childhood cancer one cup at a time.

I was proud to report about Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Teen Kid News.

Hearts and Homes for Refugees 

The refugee crisis is one that effects us all, even in our own backyard.

As part of a high school intensive documentary filmmaking course under the leadership of Emmy-award winning documentary producer Laura Meoli, I was part of a group of high school students that created this documentary.

Hearts and Homes for Refugees is a non-profit humanitarian group dedicated to the needs of families resettling in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York.

This project culminated in a screening of the film at the historic Pelham Picture House. 

Wreaths Across America:

Every year I volunteer with Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization that lays wreaths on veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery and over 1000 locations every December. It has taught me the value of life, family, and to recognize the sacrifices for freedom—including those made by my grandpa, a World War II veteran and hero. He passed away when I was in second grade and is buried at Arlington.

When visiting him over the holiday season we noticed wreaths were placed on the headstones. One of the wreaths blew over and I saw the identification tag on the back which indicated that it was donated by Wreaths Across America. My family contacted the organization and we were welcomed in as volunteers. 

When we visited their museum in Maine I met the founders, Morrill and Karen Worcester, who suggested I document my experience.  I am so proud to have put this video together in honor of all veterans, including my grandfather.