Graduating Seniors Are Honored for Volunteerism
Ten graduating seniors from each of the district’s three high schools have received the Spellman Humanitarian Award for their extraordinary record of service to others. One other student, Henderson’s Taylor Crane, received the award posthumously for his passion in helping those less fortunate. Crane passed away tragically last summer while on a service mission in Mexico.
Initiated in 1999 under the joint sponsorship of the West Chester Area School District and the West Chester Area Education Association (WCAEA), the awards honor the memory of the late Dr. Elwood M. (Ossie) Spellman, who served as a member and president of the West Chester School Board from 1951 to 1969. His tenure on the Board occurred at a critical time when schools from West Chester Borough and the surrounding townships were consolidated to form the current West Chester Area School District. A highly respected area dentist, Dr. Spellman was also actively involved in the Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, YMCA, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Nominated by their teachers for exhibiting the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship that was central to Dr. Spellman’s life, these 31 students were chosen for their community service which covered a wide range of activitiesand reflected the ideals of Dr. Spellman.
Dr. Spellman’s son, Bill, spoke for the family, telling students and guests that honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect had guided his father’s life. He noted that the students were following in his father’s footsteps by helping their fellow man without thought of remuneration. He then challenged the students to bring their friends and associates “into the fold” by encouraging them to become involved in volunteerism as well.
Spellman award winners from East High School were Yvonne deFuria, Megan Falcone, Eileen Falcone, Scott Fussey, Ryan Gallagher, Denise He, Chelsea Kliefoth, Austin Leathers, Joseph Lovell, and Emily Warning.
Receiving the award from Henderson High School were Jenna Christy, Taylor Crane, Melanie Ent, Amanda Feld, Dorie Heald, Prerit Mahajan, David Plunkett, Lauren Rosenthal, Christopher Schneck, Melanie Simmons, and David Tollefsen.
From Rustin High School, they were Judith Bowker, Rachel Gottwerth, Wynn Harrison, Aya Hoffman, Mackenzie James, KelcieIreson, Jamie O’Neill, Candice Riddle, Daniel Weidel, LaurenWestley.
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