Feb. 7 is a special day for Katherine Johnson. Not only is it her 18th birthday, but it is the day she will accept her award for the 2008 Learn and Serve ? Michigan Outstanding Service-Learning ‘Student? Award.
This award, given out by the Michigan Community Service Commission, is awarded to one student, administrator, teacher/practitioner and program each year for their outstanding service.
Johnson, a senior at Lake Orion High School, was nominated by Service Learning Coordinator Mary Beth VanBuskirk for all of Johnson’s service to Lake Orion schools and the community.
The list is quite long regarding Johnson’s volunteerism, some of which includes mentoring middle school students through the Guided Activities Program (GAP), tutoring elementary students through Orion Area Youth Assistance (OAYA), being the student voice on the district’s Service-Learning Advisory Board and leading fundraising efforts to help support the youth recognition night hosted by OAYA.
‘As a result (of her volunteering with GAP), I was able to see a caring and committed young lady who constantly strives to make a positive difference in the lives of people she comes in contact with,? wrote Assistant Athletic Director and Dragon GAP Coordinator Ben Gerdeman, in a letter that was part of Johnson’s nomination packet.
‘I believe Ms. Johnson has a great deal to bring to the table, and I cannot think of a more deserving person for your award,? he continued.
Johnson also helps in producing programming for the local community through Orion Neighborhood Television.
In fact, through Johnson’s efforts at ONTV, the public access center was able to partner with the Orion Historical Society on the Howarth School Project by filming and documenting the project’s progress. The community and student participation in this project helped the Historical Society clinch two national grants through The History Channel’s Save our History grant program, as well as gain some national attention.
Johnson was surprised to find out she was the recipient of this year’s award, as VanBuskirk and Johnson’s mother, Kelli, nominated her as a surprise.
‘I had no idea. It was very surprising,? Johnson said. ‘I’m just doing (service learning) to do it. I never expected to get anything like this out of it.?
Johnson will accept her award during a dinner awards ceremony on Feb. 7, as part of a service learning conference held at Central Michigan University.
Johnson plans on attending Oakland University, and is looking into careers in the broadcasting and teaching fields.
‘I would like to say thank you to Mary Beth and my mom for working so hard to nominate me and thinking that I deserved it,? Johnson added.