McLean Citizens Association Presents Teen Character Award at McLean Day
The McLean Citizens Association awarded the Teen Character Award to five deserving teens in the 26th annual award ceremony at McLean Day on Saturday, May 18. Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman and McLean Citizens Association President Linda Walsh presented the awards and thanked Ms. Jan Auerbach, MCA Education and Youth Committee Member, for her continued leadership and commitment to the annual MCA Teen Character Award.
The award was created to honor teens who demonstrate outstanding character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation, helped out in their neighborhood or community, were recognized not only for themselves but as an example for others to follow.
This year's five awardees are:
Aimee Abraham -- Sophomore at McLean High School
For the past three years, Aimee has organized two food drives -- one in January and another in August -- for the nonprofit Lorton Community Action Center. For one drive she solicits donations from her community list-serve and her club soccer team. For the other she organizes a group of friends, who spend three hours with her collecting donations from McLean Giant customers. Aimee also volunteers at Chesterbrook Elementary School with the Summer Quest program, a summer camp program sponsored by the Chesterbrook Elementary PTA to raise funds for the elementary school. Once a camper there, Aimee is now an Assistant Camp Counselor, helping to conduct the baking, science, and crafting programs. Aimee demonstrates a genuine concern for those who are less fortunate or who are going through difficult times.
Connor Bo -- Junior at McLean High School
Connor volunteered to be a 9/10th grade house league basketball student-coach. He helped coach his team at weekly practices and on weekend game days. Basketball is a team sport, and a team's success is dependent on every player's ability to understand the value of teamwork. Connor helped his players put forth their best efforts during practice and game day, communicate clearly and concisely, understand and follow game rules, be aware of a fluid environment, be selfless, and show leadership. Connor helped form a championship-winning team from a group of boys who hadn’t played together before. On free Saturdays, Connor helps out at Share of McLean by stocking the pantry, organizing the clothes storage room, and doing general clean-up.
Sophia Filipi -- Junior at Langley High School
Sophia has volunteered at Share of McLean since 2019. She volunteers almost every Saturday in the food or clothing rooms and can often be found there after school on weekdays helping to unload trucks and restock the food pantry. On Saturdays she particularly likes helping clients with their food and clothing selections. Her supervisor at Share wrote that Sophia consistently goes the extra mile to try to meet the clients’ needs, for example by folding clothes they have selected and putting them in bags to take home. She is unfailingly polite and courteous and makes herself valuable in whatever activity she is asked to do. Her mother noted that the volunteer experience at Share has helped Sophia grow into a young adult who values commitment, kindness, compassion and empathy.
Kais Saleh -- Junior at Langley High School
Kais is currently the head coach of an 8th grade house league basketball team. Through thoughtful planning for weekly practices, he teaches skills such as positioning, setting picks, the importance of conditioning, and the use of backboards — all to ensure that the players are ready for game-day scenarios. In addition, for the last three years, Kais has been a member of the Young Men’s Service League of Vienna/Oakton, currently serving as the Life Skills Committee Chairman. Kais organizes monthly presentations designed to equip fellow members with invaluable life skills, such as the ability to change a tire or craft a compelling resume. He has regularly greeted Honor Flights coming into Reagan National and Dulles Airports. As he speaks with the veterans, Kais lets them know that their service is still appreciated by younger generations.
Zachary Speroni -- Junior at McLean High School
The director of the food room at Share wrote: "I am thrilled to nominate Zachary for the MCA Character Award for Teenagers. Zachary's unwavering commitment to selflessly serve others in our community embodies the true essence of ethical and compassionate character. Zachary’s time spent volunteering at Share of McLean, our community food pantry, has been instrumental in helping him understand the importance of addressing food insecurity in his community. He found it meaningful to be a part of a team that provides essential nutrition to the needy. He worked in the warehouse, organized the food room, and helped patrons with groceries. In the cold months, he distributed coats, hats, and gloves. He also delivered donated furniture to families in need."