Last summer, Liana Iannicelli, currently an eighth-grade student at Our Lady of Guadalupe School, offered more than 180 hours of volunteer service at the OLG parish summer program for children in the community. In light of Liana’s generous service, she was nominated by her principal, Sister Dolores Crepeau, CSJ, and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, granted by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. This is the second consecutive year in which Liana has received this award.
Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes middle and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service. Liana received a gold award certificate and a personal letter from President Obama acknowledging her extraordinary number of volunteer hours.
Liana, who assisted in all of the OLG summer program’s activities, from swimming and sports to arts and crafts, is also an active participant in the life of OLG School. She currently serves as vice president of the Student Council and actively coordinated the Christmas gift-giving with fellow members and her faculty advisor, Ms. Nora Fiskaa. A member of the Choral Group and Tone Chime Choir, Liana has performed at school and community events. She shares her athletic talents with the parish girls’ softball team.
Along with her busy calendar of activities, Liana maintains honor grades and looks forward to attending Bishop Kearney High School in September. Before the next phase of her life begins, however, there will be another summer helping neighborhood children stay safe and enjoy a wide range of activities at the OLG summer program.
* * *
Congratulations to local math bee winners. At St. Ephrem School, eighth-grade student Arianna Kotsatos was the winner of the Jr. High Math Bee organized by Mrs. Angela Frisari. Seventh-grade student Anthony Mastroianni was the runner-up. At St. Anselm Catholic Academy, fifth-grade student James Schmidt was the winner of the school Math Bee held for grades three, four and five. Mrs. Janet Batista organized the event.