Student Voice

June 2009

Dear Ms. Fidance,
I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful experience you gave me the past three days. Without your support, our team would not be where we are today. I learned a very important lesion. I saw a spread of inspiration and motivation so powerful-it could change the world. It was such a gift to hear the stories of the men and women who have achieved success with their mission. When I heard them say” One person can make a difference” and “It all starts with one idea”, I was given hope for everything that I want to change in the world.

At the National Ceremonies this year I was talking to another team of student leaders. I explained that Savannah Arts Academy does not have a football team and that means no cheerleading squad. I love cheerleading and really miss it. It wasn’t long after when I realized that the Youth Service Initiative was my cheerleading squad. Community Service is my football team. I get to encourage, motivate, recognize and coordinate just as I used to but better. Thanks!

Catherine
Savannah Arts Academy
Class of 2011
Savannah, Georgia

June 2009

Michele,
Sorry I am just replying to your email now. I just wanted to say a few things myself. First and foremost, I want to thank you and can not thank you enough for everything you have done for me the past 3 years. I am so thankful for everything, the people I met, and the experience you helped make possible. If it weren't for you and the way you supported us, I never would have been open to the experience and all that I have gained from it. I feel so prepared for college and life itself because of this. I am not afraid for any obstacle that I may face along the way because I have learned that someone like myself can make a difference and do anything I set my heart to. I could go on and on about this and how I will take everything I have learned to college and my future life. I can't thank you enough even though you will say it was all us. Without your support I don't think I would be the person that I am now. You have let me find the leader and a person inside me that believes they have the ability to change anything if they have the desire to make it happen. I just want to thank you one more time even though I am sure this will not be my last time I do. Also, one last thing, I hope and plan on staying in touch and will find time to send you emails. College will not have me that busy that I can find time once a month at the least to send an email.

Thanks again (told you that the other time wasn't the last)

Dominic
Salesianum School
Class of 2009
Wilmington, Delaware

July 2009

Hi There! :) ,
Thank you so much. I’m having a WONDERFUL summer!
I really hope I can help out with the Youth Advisory Council and the program even when I am up at LSU! :)

I really wanted to thank you for choosing my school to represent Central Florida. My trip to DC was LIFE CHANGING. I really was SOOOO inspired. I can’t wait to find a cause that I care about to the same degree the other winners do. I now know that I really can as an individual make huge changes in my community. Seeing all of the other winners and hearing their stories, was an amazing thing to be a part of. I hope to win a Jefferson Award later in life and be able to go to the ceremony in DC as a former student leader :)

Thank you again. I cant express how much I appreciate my time spent with the Jefferson Awards.

I hope the YAC continues to improve and I would love to help in any way that I can!

Sincerely,

Alyssa
Lake Brantley High School
Class of 2009
Altamonte Springs, Florida

2008-2009 Eastside College Prep Student Leader Team
East Palo Alto, California

2008-2009 Padua Academy Student Leader Team
Wilmington, Delaware

2008-2009 Beach High School Leadership Team
Savannah, Georgia