Emily Carachure

For this event, I served a runner, guiding 9th to 12th grade student presenters to their assigned room to present their projects to the judges. I served a welcoming presence to them, converting and easing their nerves, while maintaining a timely schedule to ensure all 8 presentation were presented, in the allotted time. It was a humbling and insightful experience to hear the passion behind the students’ projects.

With the upcoming Book Fair and love for the school, I helped the on-site media center team set up the general layout for the book. This required hands-on collaboration, clear communication and decision making to decide where certain shelves and boxes best fit the space. For the first half of my time, I was supervised, then the second half of my time, I was unsupervised but still productive and trusted to moved boxes to their designated areas. I enjoyed this experience to see the other side of the setting up of memorable school events, like a book fair.

Volunteering at the teacher supply warehouse was such a wonderful experience. I felt privileged to be in a place where real teachers come to find what they need for their classrooms. Even though I was only there for a short time, I helped organize and update the backroom’s book section and set out new “lucky” items in the front for teachers to see. It felt good knowing that my small part helped make things a little easier for the people who make such a big difference every day.

Volunteering at the Helping Hands Food Pantry was a meaningful experience for me because it allowed me to give back to the same organization that once supported my family when we were in need. From packing food bags to sorting canned goods, I contributed to preparing supplies. I also helped unload boxes and restock shelves, using my fast-paced work skills and strength to keep things running smoothly. The environment was busy but full of energy, and every volunteer worked together to make sure families were served quickly and respectfully. I plan to continue volunteering whenever I can and to carry this sense of gratitude and service into everything I do.

On day 2, I served as a check-in volunteer. From 10-11am, and 2:30-3:30pm, I welcomed, checked and verified students' name in the candidate list and lead students to their assigned interview rooms. This opportunity allowed me to apply effective communication and collaboration skills as I worked alongside three other volunteers to run the check-in process smoothly, for myself and the students. Additionally, while experiencing an unexpected delay, I decided to do a quick icebreaker to redirect and nerves some may have been feeling. In the end, the students seemed at ease, and we proceeded as normal with interviews.

On day 1, I served as a check-in volunteer. I welcomed, checked and verified students' name in the candidate list and lead students to their assigned interview rooms. This opportunity allowed me to apply effective communication and collaboration skills as I worked alongside three other volunteers to run the check-in process smoothly, for other self and the students.

I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer alongside other Spartans to assemble various pieces of furniture for Barnabas Furniture Bank. To divide and conquer, I teamed up with two others. Through clear communication and strong collaboration, we assembled a dresser and a nightstand. Though may not be much, this serves as one less worry for someone else who is need of furniture.

For Spartan Service Day, I alongside my fellow Spartans, volunteered for BackPack Beginnings. In the four timeframe, my group and I made over 80 kid food bags, allowing children a full meal to take home, and restocked the toy and backpacks sections, allowing for families to come in anytime and pick up any needed supplies. This experience allowed to recognize the food insecurity children may experience as well as the incredible resources, such as BackPack Beginnings, there are that allow families in need to survive and thrive. From this, I will look into more volunteer opportunities to help close the gap between children hunger & food insecurity and healthy happy children.