Goodrich – For the second year running, a Goodrich High School student has been distinguished among Genesee County students.
GHS sophomore Heather Cardneau, 15, was named the 2005 Children’s Champion Outstanding Youth Award recipient for her volunteer service, including time spent volunteering at a Washington, D.C. homeless shelter.
‘I got to know some of the guys on a one-to-one basis,? says Heather. ‘It helped us overcome the typical stereotype.?
Heather was nominated by GHS Principal David St. Aubin for the award, a program started in 1996 by Priority Children of Genesee County to recognize contributions toward improving the lives of children.
Jake Custer, a 2004 Goodrich High School graduate, received the Children’s Champion Outstanding Youth Award last year.
Heather has logged more than 210 hours of community service to children, said St. Aubin at the Feb. 14 Goodrich Board of Education retreat.
In addition to working with the homeless, Heather has worked at Flint’s North End Soup Kitchen, helped with three blood drives, raised funds for muscular dystrophy, assisted with nursing home activities, and delivered food to home-bound recipients.
Heather, who began volunteering at the age of 10, credits the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Grand Blanc for volunteer opportunities. As an involved youth, she became aware of the impact one can make, regardless of age.
‘I knew other people were doing it,? she said.
Heather became even more personally involved with volunteering after spending time at Mott Children’s Hospital of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Mich.
One of her best friends, Allie Born, underwent chemotherapy there after being diagnosed with cancer.
‘We saw what a long wait kids had in the hospital,? said Heather, ‘so we bought Game Boys, games, puzzles, crafts, and dress-up clothes for the little girls.?
To raise the $1,000 the girls spent on the donated toys, they put together a craft show, and participated in school fund-raisers like Valentine’s Day candy sales.
This summer, Heather plans to work with youth on an American Indian reservation in South Dakota.
In honor of her contributions, Heather was awarded a plaque and a rose at Priority Children’s ‘Breakfast for Champions? in February.
‘It was a cool opportunity,? said Heather, who hopes to pursue a degree in teaching or business finance.
Heather is a member of the Goodrich High School student council, and was recently accepted into the Greater Flint Youth Leadership Program. She also works at an area greenhouse and plays soccer as a mid-fielder.