Local 6th Grader is a Point of Light Honoree and President’s Environme

Today, Nicole Haragutchi, was named Point of Light Honoree #7621 by the Points of Light organization. On January 8, 1993, President George H.W. Bush submitted a report to the nation on his efforts to engage Americans in service. He called these volunteers “points of light.” From his first day in office, President Bush devoted very special attention to voluntary community service as a means of helping solve some of America’s most serious social problems.

President George H.W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a big difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems.

In 1998, Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service reinstated the Daily Point of Light Award with a mission to honor those who take action to create change in their communities. Since then, Points of Light has inspired and recognized thousands for their voluntary service and celebrated the impact volunteers have on communities around the world. More than 7,000 Daily Point of Light honorees have been named to date.

Nicole was honored due to many environmental tasks which includes an innovative process on sustainable food production and a series of projects to raise awareness of the dangers of extinction to several species. In addition, she has founded the If You Can Dream Foundation to make dreams come true for students with special needs worldwide.

Nicole’s love for the environment and nature also allowed her to also receive the prestigious Environmental Protection Agency President’s Environmental Youth Award on August 5 in Washington, DC. Her project to raise awareness of the danger of extinction for the Araucaria angustifolia tree in Southern Brazil was very well received by the local communities and united them with the local government, the press and universities into a series of planting sessions.

Nicole’s next step is to go to London to represent our country in the British International Education Association (BIEA) International STEM Showcase where she was invited to exhibit her sustainable food production solution.

Point of Light website with Nicole’s nomination:

https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/middle-school-pageant-queen-fights-for-sustainability-and-the-well-being-of-special-needs-students/

President’s Environmental Youth Award Ceremony on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UUKchRtNZg