It isn’t often official stationary arrives in the mail from The White House with a signed letter by the President of the United States ... if ever – but, that is just what arrived at the house of Indian Hill High School (IHHS) senior Manasi Singh. The letter was a personal congratulation for her selection as a recipient of the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award.
“Receiving this award has meant the world to me because it recognized that the work I've been doing is really helping people,” said IHHS senior Manasi Singh. “It's easy to question if what you're doing actually matters on a large scale when you're working with such a big organization where the youth population is so minimal, but this award has been humbling and is truly an honor to receive.”
The letter reads, “On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank you for your service to your fellow Americans and those most in need. Through your dedicated service, you have strengthened the bonds of cooperation and trust that bring people together, while helping to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.”
Singh was recognized for her work with the American Red Cross. In addition to setting up a Red Cross club for her fellow Braves to join, Singh also serves as an American Red Cross National Youth Council ambassador for the Ohio region.
“Something I was once told that has influenced my path is, ‘Instead of changing the whole world, try changing your own part of the world,’” said Singh. “That's what working at the Cincinnati Chapter for the Red Cross has meant for me. Around four years ago, I signed up as a volunteer and dove deep into an organization that at the time didn't have much support for students who were my age. Yet all that meant was that I was able to create youth projects myself so that other kids like me could take that first step into volunteering.
“The Indian Hill High School Chapter of Red Cross has been a way of me sharing my excitement with my peers and unifying us towards an amazing cause. It has allowed us to connect with people all across Cincinnati, and together within three years, we've grown to be the largest service-based club as well as one of the largest groups in general at IHHS – something I know wouldn't have happened if it weren't for this district's drive to service."
“Service learning is core to our instructional practices within Indian Hill High School,” said IHHS Principal Jeff Damadeo. “Our Braves volunteer thousands of hours as part of their instruction. We are incredibly proud of Manasi who is exemplar in her work with the American Red Cross, and what she has brought to her peers at Indian Hill High School. This is an honor Manasi fully deserved.”
Photo caption: Indian Hill High School Senior Manasi Singh with her President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award.