Each year, the Junior League of Greenwich designates $2,500 of its funds to be awarded to a local female high school senior through its Community Service Award. The grant is intended to recognize a high school senior who exemplifies the mission of the Junior League of Greenwich by demonstrating sustained commitment to community service. The recipient must be someone whose volunteer activities demonstrate initiative and show significant and sustained commitment to community service and leadership.

The application period for the 2018 Community Service Award has closed.

Applications for the 2019 Community Service Award will be available Fall 2018.

Congratulations to the 2018 Community Service Award Recipient

From left to right:  Christine Kao, 2018 Community Service Award Recipient and Hillary Watson, Junior League of Greenwich Community Director 2017-2018

The Junior League of Greenwich presented this year’s Community Service Award to Christine Kao, a Senior at Greenwich Academy, at its Annual Dinner in May.  Christine has been involved in the community as Vice President of Safe Rides, a Senior Ambassador for Kids Helping Kids Stamford, working as an Assistant Ice Skating coach for the Skyliners Synchronized Ice Skating Team and as a STEM Camp Counselor at the India Cultural Center.  But most impressive was her commitment to teaching flute at Waterside Elementary School.  As a visiting concert band teacher for the after school program, Christine has led small group instruction on flute for anywhere from 305 students every Friday for the past three years.  Jonny Duennebier, head of music at Waterside School says, “She has a touch with students uncommon in music education, and each student leaves her sessions smiling, laughing, and determined to improve.”

As Christine Kao says, “Many students in underserved districts never have the opportunity to experience a musical education, so when I was asked to volunteer at Waterside Elementary School, I jumped at the opportunity.  Every week, I look forward to this activity and challenge.  Working with my students is not just about teaching a new skill; it is about training them to keep trying, even when something is difficult.  After three years of teaching, I never tire of how excited they get when they master a new skill.  Community service is something I do because I believe one person can change the lives of others.  Small acts of kindness remind us that there is good in the world, and an ever-changing society, these acts are the foundation for a brighter future.”

Christine plans to use this award to create a fund for the repair of instruments at Waterside Elementary.  Christine graduated from Greenwich Academy in May and will continue to serve her community at Georgetown University next year.  Congratulations Christine Kao and thank you for making an impact in our community!