Volunteering to help others is a way of life for Taylor Arends and Paul Clancy, two Oak Park-River Forest High School seniors selected to receive Hephzibah’s HeartPrint Award for outstanding service.
“Paul and Taylor have been incredibly committed to Hephzibah with their involvement in the high school service group, Hephzibah Huskies,” said Eric Sorensen, Hephzibah’s Board President. “As Huskies leaders they’ve been reliable, positive role models.”
Over the past four years, the two students have devoted many hours to Hephzibah’s kids – planning activities, listening to stories, playing games, and just hanging out.
Arends particularly enjoyed becoming a big sister to a group home resident. She made time for regular visits with her little sister – which was not always easy while balancing school and sports. Arends played on OPRF’s Varsity softball and tennis teams and received the school’s Scholarship Cup Award for ranking among the top 16 graduates. She will attend Washington University in St. Louis this fall.
“I absolutely love being here and being part of Hephzibah,” said Arends. “I’m going to miss it like crazy!”
Clancy also made the commitment to be a big brother to a young boy at the residence. Taking on the responsibility was very rewarding — especially when he saw how much his little brother looked forward to each visit.
“I’ve learned so much as a volunteer,” said Clancy. “It’s part of who I am now. It has made me a more humble, giving person.” Clancy is a member of the Cum Laude Honor Society and will attend the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, in the fall.
For information about becoming a volunteer, contact Hannah Weigel at 708-649-7122 or hweigel@www.hephzibahhome.org.