The Greenwich Public Schools held the 2023 Community Service Awards Monday, April 24, at Greenwich High School’s Performing Arts Center. The event celebrated student participation in service activities that help to improve both their school and the community.
Community Service Awards are presented to elementary school students, middle school students, representing each of GPS’ three middle schools, and five high school students, representing each GHS house. An additional high school student is singled out to receive the Fleishman Service Award. Dr. Ernest Fleishman, a former Greenwich Superintendent of Schools who also founded the award, presented this year’s Fleishman Award to GHS senior Stephanie Chang.
“What came through to me so clearly,” explained Dr. Fleishman, “are Stephanie’s passions for improving the lives of people who are underserved, students and adults who need support to improve their lives.” He went on to describe Chang as empathetic, inquisitive, and possessing a wonderful sense of humor.
Stephanie Chang, in her acceptance speech, thanked the community for their support and celebrated the spirit of service that the awards represent. “For me, giving back is no longer a duty, but a joy that has transformed the way that I see the world,” Chang said. She encouraged younger students to recognize the power they have to make a difference and to be the change.
Chang’s impressive accomplishments include co-founding My STEM Help, a student-run not-for-profit that provides free virtual academic support to students K through 12, and A1 for Girls, a virtual summer program for elementary and middle school girls from five different states. Chang has also supported the River House Adult Care Center by designing and leading music therapy programs for more than 50 patients diagnosed with cognitive issues, served as President of the Greenwich High School Performance Club, and organized the first Greenwich High School All Girls Math Team to participate in the annual Yale girls’ math competition.
In addition to Chang, other exceptional students were recognized for their service activities and contributions to their school and community. The Community Service Awards serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the young people in Greenwich Public Schools and their commitment to making a difference.
Dr. Fleishman provided some background on the history of the awards. “It was 1986, 37 years ago when I was driving back from Port Chester on the post road, and I saw a sign that said, ‘Welcome to Greenwich, the Home of Sports Champions.’ That made me happy in some ways, I was both pleased and disturbed. Pleased because three of our kids who graduated from Greenwich High School played varsity sports, but I was disturbed because I thought of the many champions who were not being recognized, and they were serving their community.”
Dr. Fleishman went on to describe how the program was established to honor students who are doing heroic work serving their community. “We agreed that community service needs to be put up on a pedestal. What you honor and what you expect is what you get. Furthermore, improving the lives of others is a major goal of the school system,” he said.
Among the award recipients were Charlotte Merrick from Central Middle School, Madeline Johnson from Eastern Middle School, and Keegan Corder from Western Middle School. Each student was praised for their unwavering positivity, genuine care for others, and commitment to serving their community.
Tom Healy, principal of Central Middle School, presented Charlotte Merrick with the Community Service Award for her extraordinary work at CMS. He said, “Charlotte is a model student and a true ambassador for Central Middle School. Her unwavering positivity, genuine care for others, and commitment to serving her community is truly extraordinary.” Healy praised Charlotte’s efforts to create a safe and healthy school environment and lauded her strength of character.
Jason Goldstein, principal of Eastern Middle School, recognized Madeline Johnson as their Community Service Award recipient. Goldstein highlighted Maddy’s initiative to collect and donate gently used dance costumes for those in need, saying, “Maddy created a collection process for gently used dance costumes to be donated to those in need. Then Maddy coordinated with a facility to distribute the collected items.” Maddy’s collection efforts led to the donation of over 200 costumes and other dance-related items across the country. Goldstein also praised Maddy’s involvement in student council and her contributions to various donation drives at the school.
Gordon Beinstein, principal of Western Middle School, presented Keegan Corder with the Community Service Award, praising her kindness, compassion, and hard work. Beinstein shared comments from Keegan’s teachers, who described her as “a model student, hardworking and a real asset to class discussion and the overall environment.” Her science teacher, Mr. Howard, commented, “Nice guys finish first,” upon learning that Keegan would receive the award.
Lucy Recko from Bellhouse introduced Lauren Monchine, who was recognized for her wide-ranging community service efforts, including serving on the executive board of the First Selectman’s Youth Commission, moderating the Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference, and organizing the mental health conference Conscious Coping. Lauren is also the president of the Link Community Service Club and the head of events chair for Generation Impact. She will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall.
Christina Shaw, the Cantor House administrator, presented the award to Erin McKay, an aspiring writer who has been involved with Offbeat Players, an inclusive theater production organization, teaching at her synagogue, and volunteering at the Bruce Museum Seaside Center. Erin will attend Smith College next year to study English Literature. David Walko, the Clark House administrator, honored Luke McQuillan, who founded the Luke McQuillan Holiday Gift Drive five years ago. This charity has raised over $135,000 for gifts for young adolescents during the holiday season. Luke maintained an impressive GPA while dedicating himself to community service and will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall.
Andrew Byrne, the Folsom House administrator, recognized Joaquina Menbe for her numerous contributions to the community, including serving as a member of the Chamber Singers, academic tutor, and volunteering with Neighbor to Neighbor, the Bruce Museum, and Food Rescue. Joaquina is also the president of the Association of Hispanics and the founder of the Cultural Cuisine Club. She will be attending the University of Pennsylvania next year.
Finally, Brigid Barry, the Sheldon House administrator, praised Logan Carino for his efforts in rebuilding the community after the pandemic. Logan founded the Greenwich Youth Charitable Organization and the Student Give Back Club, which has grown to over 350 members. The club has organized various events and initiatives, including a holiday party at the Boys and Girls Club, donating over 400 snuggle stock blankets, and raising nearly $6,000 in a global giving drive. Logan also volunteers with Roots and Shoots and Jonathan Quick’s Goalie Camp. He will attend Babson College in the fall.
The event concluded with another round of applause for all of the students on stage, especially the elementary and middle schoolers, who were commended for their commitment to community service at such an early age.
