Junior League of Wheeling Awards
2003 High School Voluntarism Awards

Original story written by Sheely Hanson, Wheeling Intelligencer Staff Writer

The Junior League of Wheeling, Inc. recognized eight local youths for their volunteer work during the 2003 High School Voluntarism Award ceremony held at Wilson Lodge in Oglebay.

The event, presented by the Junior League of Wheeling and the Wheeling News-Register and Intelligencer, included a luncheon in the Ihlenfeld Dining Room and an awards presentation.

Shawn Turak, Junior League of Wheeling President, told those at the luncheon the students' "accomplishments are many and impressive."

"A common thread is woven among you," Turak commented to the recipients, referring to "seeds of greatness born out of your volunteer experiences."

"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility," Turak added.

Turak quoted the late Fred Rogers, whose Pittsburgh-based television program was a favorite among young people for many generation. Rogers once said that, "when we look for what's best in the person we happen to be with, we're doing what God would do."

"Deep down we know what's important in this life is not winning for ourselves, it's winning for others," Rogers also said, according to Turak.

Turak closed by commending the students for "your service, dedication and passion for volunteering."

Note: Shawn Turak is the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Ohio County and is happily married to Christopher M. Turak, who is an attorney with Gold, Khourey & Turak. Shawn and Chris are the proud "parents" of two beagles.

Click Here to read Turak's speech

2003 High School Voluntarism Award Winners -click here for photo of winners

Jeni Triplett, Wheeling Park High School: Volunteered at Wheeling Hospital's day care center and continuous care center; participating as a tutor in the Energy Express Summer Reading Program; as a REAP counselor, she helped people learn about nature; she was an usher at the Blues Fest; a fair volunteer; and is also a tutor at Wheeling Park. Her experience as a REAP counselor has encouraged her to be a special education teacher.

Matthew Stahl, Wheeling Park High School: Dedicated his time teaching children music at the Laughlin Chapel, cooking and cleaning at the YWCA Soup Kitchen, tutoring children at the Hil Dar Community Center, helping senior citizens by shopping for them, serving as an usher at Wheeling Symphony Orchestra performances, and also serving as a volunteer at the Special Olympics held at Wheeling Jesuit University. His experience volunteering at the Special Olympics had a significant impact on his life, he realizes volunteering really matters.

Jenna Wakim, Wheeling Central Catholic High School: Spent hours tutoring at the Laughlin Chapel; performed various dutins at Ohio Valley Medical Center; worked at card parties for the Central Catholic Booster Scholarship Fund; served meals at Catholic Charities; performed variosu services as a member of Girls and Boys United to Serve (GUTS); also worked card parties at St. Vincent De Paul Church.

Emily Pell, Wheeling Catholic Central High School: Volunteered time at the Laughlin Chapel's day camp, helped with GUTS Halloween Party, worked in game booths during the St. Michael Parish Festival, taught children safety at Safety Town, tutored, visited an ederly woman at a continuous care home, and helped with the Easter Seals' day camp. She said she enjoyed spending time and sharing stories with her elderly friend at the continuous care center.

Mikita Weaver, Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy: Volunteered at summer camp, at the YWCA Soup Kitchen, at the American Cancer Walk, supplied art for the 9/11 Memorial Service, worked as a teacher and music director at Bible School, worked during her church's mission trip to Honduras, and also raised funds via car wash and babysitting for the mission trip.

Micah Labishak, Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy: Spent time at the Laughlin Chapel organizing children's activities, babysitting at the YWCA, directed melodies for a children's choir at Wheeling Catholic Elementary, tutored youths in chemistry and Spanish, served as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, delivered mail in the Bishop Hodges Nursing Home, assembled gifts for shut-ins.

Keith Miller, The Linsly School: Miller's experience includes tutoring and counseling at the Laughlin Chapel, being a youth minister at St. Joseph Cathedral, serving at a birthday party held at Heritage Port, helping tear down the set for Mr. Roger's Children's Museum, helping a family with computer problems, and as a role-player during the Mock Riot.

Ken Morgan, The Linsly School: Morgan played the violin at the Concert Under the Stars, Oglebay Fest, the Suzuki Violin Concert at John Marshall, and at a Christmas Concert at a nursing home. He also tutored at the Laughlin Chapel and was a youth leader at Vance Memorial Church.