Teen Volunteers in Action lauds its class of 2013

The 2013 Senior Send-Off for the founding chapter of Teen Volunteers in Action applauded its 2013 graduating class of 28 young men who have participated in over 900 events and accumulated 2,200 hours of community service.

These high school seniors were honored at a celebration to recognize their achievements on May 5 at the Nativity School Activity Center.

The focus of the afternoon was on the personal satisfaction associated with helping others instead of doing good deeds out of a sense of obligation.

The 28 young men honored for their years of community service with TVIA were: Jacob Alsadek, Andrew Appleby, Dawson Bailey, Hunter Barrera, Tim Benirschke, Spencer Brewster, Chance Canedy, Christopher Carter, Aidan Clifford, Jack Condon, Aaron Ellis, Noah Gaarder-Feingold, Dillon Lerach, Sean McGrath, Zach McGrath, Quinton Mells, Mitchell Millar, Ian Moffit, George Nelson, Chase Pickwell, Connor Polk, Casey Reed, Connor Sears, Kade Shoemaker, Will Strauss, Stephen Tifft, Cole Tudor and Chris Watson.

These seniors, all residing in the north coastal region of San Diego County, will be graduating from the following high schools: Torrey Pines High School, Canyon Crest Academy, Cathedral Catholic High School, Santa Fe Christian, La Costa Canyon High School, Pacific Ridge, Francis Parker, Rock Academy, Bishop’s School and La Jolla High School.

“I am thankful to TVIA for the opportunities they have provided me,” said Chris Carter, TVIA Leadership chair and Torrey Pines High School senior. “TVIA has given me the opportunity to give back to my community while learning many life lessons along the way.”

Among his many TVIA events, Chris said some of the most meaningful includes serving meals to seniors and homeless families, repairing and renovating houses, working to protect the area’s natural lagoons, and supporting foster children.

“Through these events, I learned that I am not so different from the people being served,” he said. “I also experienced the great feeling that one receives from volunteering, the humbling effect that volunteering provides and how fortunate I am to have so much in my life.

“I have learned that those who are lucky enough to have [advantages] should give back to those in their community who have not been as fortunate – and that there are numerous opportunities available. You just need to find one that is meaningful to you.”

In addition to community service, TVIA offers its members opportunities for professional development.

“TVIA has also provided me with life lessons through the teen seminars that they have arranged for their members,” Chris said. “The speakers are provided to assist the members in their transitions from high school to the next independent stage in our lives.

“I have attended lectures on such topics as automobile maintenance, basic cooking skills and tips on interviewing and essay writing. These seminars have equipped me with the basic life skills to help me move on to college and thereafter.”

The Senior Send-Off recognized the many contributions made by this TVIA graduating class and celebrated their philanthropic efforts.

Said Katherine Foster, president of TVIA, “I’m very proud of our graduates who have a greater understanding of and appreciation for helping others through community service and leadership opportunities.

“This Class of 2013, these 28 remarkable young men, have contributed 2,200 hours of community service and can feel justifiably proud of themselves for making a real difference in the lives of so many people.”

In the tradition of TVIA, all events, even a self-celebration, include a charitable component. To this end, TVIA members attending the Senior Send-Off donated sheets, towels, toiletries and other items needed for college to San Pasqual Academy’s graduating seniors.

Located in Escondido, San Pasqual Academy is a first-in-the-nation residential education campus designed specifically for foster teens.

TVIA [www.tvia.org] is an organization of young men committed to developing community leaders through a structured program of volunteerism, philanthropy and personal growth.

Carter, TVIA Leadership chair and Torrey Pines High School senior. “TVIA has given me the opportunity to give back to my community while learning many life lessons along the way.”

Among his many TVIA events, Chris said some of the most meaningful includes serving meals to seniors and homeless families, repairing and renovating houses, working to protect the area’s natural lagoons, and supporting foster children.

“Through these events, I learned that I am not so different from the people being served,” he said. “I also experienced the great feeling that one receives from volunteering, the humbling effect that volunteering provides and how fortunate I am to have so much in my life.

“I have learned that those who are lucky enough to have [advantages] should give back to those in their community who have not been as fortunate – and that there are numerous opportunities available. You just need to find one that is meaningful to you.”

In addition to community service, TVIA offers its members opportunities for professional development.

“TVIA has also provided me with life lessons through the teen seminars that they have arranged for their members,” Chris said. “The speakers are provided to assist the members in their transitions from high school to the next independent stage in our lives.

“I have attended lectures on such topics as automobile maintenance, basic cooking skills and tips on interviewing and essay writing. These seminars have equipped me with the basic life skills to help me move on to college and thereafter.”

The Senior Send-Off recognized the many contributions made by this TVIA graduating class and celebrated their philanthropic efforts.

Said Katherine Foster, president of TVIA, “I’m very proud of our graduates who have a greater understanding of and appreciation for helping others through community service and leadership opportunities.

“This Class of 2013, these 28 remarkable young men, have contributed 2,200 hours of community service and can feel justifiably proud of themselves for making a real difference in the lives of so many people.”

In the tradition of TVIA, all events, even a self-celebration, include a charitable component. To this end, TVIA members attending the Senior Send-Off donated sheets, towels, toiletries and other items needed for college to San Pasqual Academy’s graduating seniors.

Located in Escondido, San Pasqual Academy is a first-in-the-nation residential education campus designed specifically for foster teens.

TVIA [www.tvia.org] is an organization of young men committed to developing community leaders through a structured program of volunteerism, philanthropy and personal growth.