May 2, 2008

A night to remember

National Charity League honors 19 high school seniors

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Celebrating six years of philanthropy, the Almaden-Blossom Valley Chapter of National Charity League (NCL) recently honored 19 high school senior girls at its Senior Presentation gala at the Corinthian Event Center.

The co-presidents of this year’s debutants are Brenna Wahl, left, and Julianne Ramona.

The young ladies attired in white evening gowns gathered in honor of their mother/daughter commitment to community service. Their moms dressed in black gowns stood at their sides.

These mothers and daughters together gave more than 2,018 volunteer hours to local nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, the San Jose Family Shelter and Sunday Friends. The goal of the charity league is to introduce these young women to people from all walks of life, to teach them compassion, generosity and appreciation.

“The NCL experience encompasses so much,” said Patricia Spratt, a mother. “The philanthropic work is a real eye-opener for the girls and helps them realize how important and fulfilling it is to help others.” NCL also strengthens the girls’ appreciation for the Arts, etiquette and personal relationships, she added.

This year’s seniors, the largest graduating NCL class of their chapter, is comprised of Tawni Argent, Alexandra Bishop, Lauren Boehm, Emily Fenwick, Sarah Frederick, Lindsey Friessnig, Kellie Henika, Erinn Hoyt, Charlsea Martiny, Julianne Ramona, Kathryn Reed, Jennifer Ryan, Kendahl Schoen, Lauren Sheridan, Hillary Spratt, Kelsey Smith, Brenna Wahl, Morgan Wall and Alexandra Zellner.

“When these girls began their NCL path,” said chapter Presi-dent Dawn Georgiou, “it was their mothers’ desire to enrich their lives, while developing a wonderful bond.” Georgiou believes that through NCL, the girls accomplished these goals while developing leadership skills, creating friendships and caring for others. “We’ve seen them grow from young girls to talented, confident young women,” said Georgiou. “In the end, it’s not about what you’re giving but what you get back.”

Enchanted evening
The grandeur of the Corinthian’s grand ballroom set the tone for the evening’s theme, “La Nuit des Etoiles,” the night of the stars. The girls and their mothers gathered with family and friends beneath majestic palms and ornate chandeliers and Eiffel towers tied with pink ribbons.

Alexandra Zellner was honored with the Senior Service Award and the Founder’s Award. She devoted more than 290 hours to community service. Her focus was working with children through the programs at Sunday Friends and the San Jose Family Shelter.

The President’s Award went to Kellie Henika and honorable mention to Morgan Wall for their volunteer efforts. Hillary Spratt, and her mother Patricia, received the Mother Daughter Heart Award for the most hours worked together as a team.

The evening was marked the conclusion of the girls’ time in NCL and their upcoming graduation from high school. In letters, the girls expressed their devotion to their mothers and appreciation for all they had been given.

“You have guided me to be the strong, self-confident girl I am today,” said Argent. “Now, I’m heading off to college without you. I just want to say thank you for everything you have done, given and sacrificed for me over the past 18 years. I am forever grateful to you.”

“You have always been there to lend support,” said Friessnig. “It is your selfless disposition that has motivated me to help others. The time we have spent together has created memories that will last a lifetime.”

After each mother and daughter was introduced, a multimedia presentation traced each girl’s life from birth to her senior year, accompanied by music and heartfelt letters written by the mothers to their daughters.

“Sarah, I love who you’ve become,” said Karen Frederick. “You’ll always be in my heart, no matter where you are. Enjoy the journey that lies ahead. I love you so much.”

In her letter to Brenna, Kim Wahl offered these words of advice: “appreciate everything and take nothing for granted and take comfort in the love of friends and family. If you truly appreciate all you have, you’ll be happy. Always keep the dream alive.”

The seniors found their NCL experience deeply rewarding. “We started our journey six years ago to make a difference and help our community,” one said, “and it brought us great joy. We learned how to give back to others...and learned about life and about ourselves. We learned that one person can make a difference with a little effort and a kind heart and together we can make a big difference.”

The 19 high school seniors and their mothers gave a total of 2,018 hours to charities in the South Bay. The girls, pictured above, from the left, are, first row, Morgan Wall, Brenna Wahl, Lauren Sheridan, Emily Fenwick, Hillary Spratt, Jennifer Ryan, Alexandra Zellner, Lauren Boehm, Erinn Hoyt and Alexandra Bishop. In the second row are Sarah Frederick, Lindsey Friessnig, Kelsey Smith, Kendahl Schoen, Kellie Henika, Charlsea Martiny, Kathryn Reed, Tawni Argent and Julianne Ramona.