Extraordinary students give time and talent in service to others

(SPRINGFIELD, MO) -- Several Missouri Connections Academy students were recently recognized for their outstanding service to the community as part of their membership in the National Honor Society.

As NHS membership is founded on four pillars, service, character, scholarship and citizenship, each student identified ways in which they could make a difference in their respective communities. They gave countless hours to volunteering for local charities or organizing fundraising events for various causes. These students have not only represented the National Honor Society with integrity, but they’ve made everyone at Missouri Connections Academy proud of their extraordinary service to others.

“Our students have demonstrated that giving back to their communities not only benefits those in need but also enriches their own lives,” said Dr. Rhonda Moffit, Missouri Connections Academy National Honor Society Advisor. “They have shown leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them. We encourage everyone to get involved in community service and to continue to inspire positive change in their communities."

Each of the following students were among those recently recognized for their service projects:

Kiernan Tillman, Anderson – About a year ago Kiernan started preparing and delivering lunch to an elderly neighbor. According to Kiernan, the neighbor is diabetic and struggles to manage his diet when it comes to preparing meals appropriate for his health. She said over time she has adjusted her own diet and schedule to make him healthy meals. She prepares and delivers lunch every weekday while his son is at work and makes additional meals when his son is out of town.

“I have developed an amazing bond with someone I typically would not have,” Kiernan said. “While I started this project to benefit him, I have gained a wonderful role model and someone I couldn’t imagine my life without.”

Sullivan Smith, Imperial - Sullivan volunteers his time in support of programs offered through Joni and Friends, a faith-based organization that provides support for people with disabilities. Sullivan most recently helped at a parent respite event and for the past several years, he’s volunteered at the annual “Walk and Roll” fundraising event. He has also assisted at the organization’s Financial and Legal Seminar by setting up tables, getting the food ready, and helping with the production.

“Leadership comes first and foremost through service,” Sullivan said. “I’m proud of the fact I was able to help Joni and Friends reach out to those who need help, no matter how big or small a role I played.”

Aspen Schiro, Ozark – Aspen served as a peer tutor and spends as many as three hours a week helping students in grade 6 – 10 with Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry.

“I really love tutoring the kids and helping them figure out the mechanics of difficult concepts,” Aspen said. “I wish that I had had the opportunity to go over material one-on-one with a knowledgeable person when I was in middle school.”

Camdyn Penrod, Frankford – Camdyn chose to tutor kindergarten students at a local elementary school where she worked with students one-on-one, in small groups or with the entire class. According to Camdyn, she was placed into a kindergarten class because that's who needed the most assistance. She said the teacher to student ratio in most of the classrooms was 15:1 and unfortunately the students who needed extra one-on-one help weren't getting it.

“I chose this as my volunteering because I enjoy children and believe that good help is necessary in the classroom,” Camdyn said. “These skills are vital for the children's life, and I am happy I could partake in such an important aspect of their life. Not only was I able to help the students, but I also grew a bond with each student I tutored.”

Elizabeth Day, Ozark – Elizabeth mowed the lawn of an elderly neighbor who lives with her handicapped son. According to Elizabeth, the woman has been living in the home for more than fifty years and the four acres are too big for the woman. Elizabeth said she wanted to help maintain the lawn so that the woman could continue to live in the home.

“I have learned that if everyone looks out for their neighbors, we all can have a significant impact on our community,” Elizabeth said. “If my project can influence others to help their neighbors, elderly or not, then I have succeeded in a much larger goal, and made the world a better place.”

Taya Lenz, Gower - Taya said she selected several small projects which included picking up garbage with her 4-H club along a local highway. She also helped an accountant with filing and other office duties. Through Taya’s help, the accountant had more time to prepare tax returns for low-income families, which he does at a discounted rate. Taya also helps an elderly couple in her neighborhood with their electronic devices (phone, tablet, and computer). She also helps in her mother’s classroom, who teaches students with down syndrome. Taya also does yardwork for an elderly couple in her neighborhood.

“Assisting neighbors with yard work helps make our town look nice. It also entails a sense of pride in knowing that we are all here to help each other,” Taya said. “Through these small projects, I was able to help several people enriching my life and those around me.”

Caitlin Fuller, Farmington – Caitlin chose to hold a fundraiser for the youth jiu jitsu team at her local facility to help with the expenses in an upcoming competition. According to Caitlin, she didn’t want their desire to compete to be stopped because of money. Caitlin organized a barbecue outside of the gym and raised enough to cover the tournament fees.

“I think it ended up being more about community. We had families that didn’t even do jiu jitsu come support the gym,” Caitlin said. “I think it bonded the gym more. It had a huge impact on the gym. If we have a good gym, then we have a good community of people in general.”

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Those who attend Missouri Connections Academy choose full-time online school for various reasons. Some students prefer to take ownership of their education and benefit from the flexibility that virtual school offers, while others are looking for a safe learning environment.

Enrollment for Missouri Connections Academy for the 2023-24 academic year is open and the school will be hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. A complete schedule of events as well as more information about Missouri Connections Academy is available at www.MissouriConnectionsAcademy.com or by calling 1-(800) 382-6010.

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About Missouri Connections Academy

Missouri Connections Academy (MOCA) is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Every day, we create a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit www.MissouriConnectionsAcademy.com.