Brianna Fitzhenry: Helping Children Learn Through Play

Brianna Fitzhenry was volunteering for a few months last year when Diane Ernst, the volunteer coordinator at the nominated her to receive a Naperville Youth Service Award.

Every year, KidsMatter together with Mayor Pradel and the Naperville City Council, give out the Naperville Youth Service Awards to deserving teen volunteers during a special ceremony. 

Brianna volunteered as a Museum Assistant at the DuPage Children’s Museum, volunteering in the exhibits and at off-site events, helping with the teen-organized Bake Sale that raised $924 and using her skills as a photographer.

She was promoted to play assistant, which required her to take advanced training and learn facilitation techniques to encourage children to learn more about math and science. Brianna is willing to pitch in and help wherever needed and regularly goes above and beyond helping staff and visitors.

She is involved in 4-H, chairing the citizenship committee, coordinating projects between 4-H and the such as mulching at Hunter's Wood Park and she went to state fair with her photo editing entry. She plays the piano and participates in AIM (Achievement in Music).

At church, Brianna volunteers in the nursery, is part of the Crossfire youth group and is on the tech team and ministry team.

Brianna said: “I enjoy volunteering at the museum because I love watching children explore and learn. I believe that this service has helped me develop patience, learn new skills, and it helps me to get into the mind of the child, seeing the world as they see it: full of possibilities and new things to discover. I love volunteering at the Museum!”