Students recognized for charity

DOWNEY - Two Warren High School students were recognized for their scholastic and community achievements when they were presented with the Downey Youth Service Award by Downey Kiwanis and The Downey Patriot.Amy Gebart and Christopher Lee, both seniors at Warren, received the award at a dinner ceremony at the Rio Hondo Event Center. They also received $100 gift cards to Stonewood Center. "Warren High School is very proud of these outstanding students who represent what is right with kids today," said Shirley Stewart, AP coordinator at Warren. "Not only do they excel in their academics, they also understand the importance of serving others. They have learned from firsthand experience what a difference one individual can make." Gebart will graduate in June as a Distinguished Graduate. She is No. 3 in her senior class with a 4.76 GPA and has accumulated more than 200 hours of community service. She is currently president of the Art Club and is in charge of painting murals around campus. She also co-chairs Girls League's major fundraiser, which will support the Girls League Scholarship and Warren's library. Gebert spearheaded an effort to collect needed supplies for the animals at SEAACA, and spends about 20 hours each year helping decorate Downey's rose float. "I love being involved in the community because it fulfills me outside of my high school experience," Gebert said. "I love to see that my work can help people and that I can give back because I have received so much from the Downey community." Lee is ranked No. 9 in Warren's senior class with a 4.62 GPA. He devotes the majority of his volunteer time to Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, where he works in the Foundation office, Art Department (working on a marbling project with patients) and in the thrift store. Through Key Club, Lee has participated in the Arc Walk and volunteered at Kids Day and the Christmas tree lot. He has also assisted Heal the Bay with their beach clean-ups and Warren's track and field team with their track meets. "I like to help other people," Lee said. "It is important to me to volunteer because people need held. It brings everyone together. It makes Downey a better place to live." Fernando Vasquez, a member of Downey Kiwanis, coordinates the Downey Youth Service Award. "By recognizing and honoring young leaders, Downey Kiwanis hopes to instill the value of community service," he said. "It's important to develop future generations of leaders." The Downey Youth Service Award is presented to students in grades K-12 who reside and attend school in Downey and are active in community service. Recipients are chosen by a member of Downey Kiwanis Club and a staff member from The Downey Patriot To nominate a student, contact Vasquez at (562) 261-7601 or fvasquez562@gmail.com, or write to The Downey Patriot, Attention Eric Pierce, 8301 E. Florence Ave., Suite 100, Downey, CA 90240.

********** Published: February 12, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 43