First-Year Saint Receives Top National Honor for Volunteer Service

Steadfast dedication to community service has earned Canterbury student Natalie H. ’28 the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award, the highest level of this prestigious national accolade.

Natalie became eligible for the award—presented by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism—by completing nearly 140 volunteer hours in libraries near her home in New York’s Hudson Valley. Much of that time was spent in children’s sections, assisting with programs, cleaning and organizing their rooms, and sorting books and periodicals. It was the direct hands-on work with the youngsters that most appealed to her.

“The Pawling Library had a children’s book program ('Make Me an Author') where kids create their own books and illustrations,” Natalie shared. “It was wonderful for developing their minds. I helped them figure things out, and they responded well to my energy. After a day of guiding the children, I would sit in the car and think, ‘I did something great today’ and just smile.”

The feeling was mutual at the Pawling Library, according to Young Adult Program Coordinator Maureen Meltzer-McGrath (pictured with Natalie at the library). “Natalie is very loved and appreciated here,” she said. “She assisted the children with getting their thoughts on paper, helped them stay focused, and enhanced their writing and drawing. She was patient and kind, and—unlike many students her age—Natalie easily engaged the children with her warm and friendly manner. She was also reliable and responsible with her time. We look forward to having her volunteer here again!”

Natalie is only just finishing her Third Form year at Canterbury, but her volunteer experience has opened her mind to a potential career path. “I discovered how passionate I am about helping children, so this has led me to consider becoming a pediatrician,” she said. “I have always wanted to be in the medical field and had an interest in dermatology; maybe my future is as a pediatric dermatologist.”

Although volunteering is its own reward for Natalie, she could not contain her excitement upon receiving the email congratulating her for the service award. “I was jumping up and down and screaming, and we ended up having a little ceremony for me with my family,” she recalled. The subsequent package in the mail containing the certificate, medal, and letter from The White House was the icing on the cake.

Her achievement underscores the values of compassion and civic responsibility championed at Canterbury School. Congratulations on this wonderful recognition, Natalie, and for your enduring devotion to helping others!