Spirit of Service Award

Here is the transcript of Nate's award yesterday.  I am posting all of it for myself, however you may want to skip down to the paragraph that starts "At Keowee"  I'm still amazed that when he came forward the entire student body gave him a standing ovation!  He may not have gotten the most awards for academics, but this makes me so proud!  I pray he will always have a kind heart, that he will love God with all his heart, soul and mind and treat others as he wants to be treated by being kind and forgiving. 

Ellen Stumpf Spirit of Service Award

This year as we began planning Awards Day, Mr. Holliday came up with an idea to create a new award—one that recognizes a student for outstanding service learning. As we brainstormed what attributes the recipient of the award should possess, it became very clear that this award was inspired by someone we already knew very well—someone who has dedicated herself to serving others and has made an enormous impact on Keowee Elementary through her years of service. For those of you who know Ellen Stumpf, you know she is an extraordinary individual and you also know that once you meet her, you’ll never be the same.

 

Here are just a FEW of Ellen’s accomplishments and recognitions:

• Served 12 years as a member & chairman of the New Jersey Federation Council for Exceptional Children
• Founder & President of the Tri-County Jr. Diabetes Fd. Chapter for 10 years
• Founder of our very own Keowee Elementary 3^rd Grade Swim Program which will celebrate its 20^th year next school year!
• Founder of the Blue Ridge Jr. Golf Program which is just completing its 17^th year. This program began here at Keowee and then after 2 years, expanded county-wide and has since introduced golf to over 1900 Oconee County school children. 
• Founder of Elizabeth’s Circle—a group of volunteers who come weekly to read with students. In addition to weekly reading visits, these volunteers under Ellen’s guidance, provide funds so that students less fortunate can visit the book fair each semester. Ellen’s goal is that EVERY child should have the joy of getting a new book.
• Ellen has spent countless hours tutoring children as well as adults working towards their GED.
• She takes communion to shut-ins that cannot attend church.
• She is a member of the Questers—an organization that encourages the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks
• Keowee Volunteer of the Year
• SDOC Volunteer of the Year
• 2001 recipient of the Governor’s Hero/Volunteer Award during SC’s Year of the Child
• 2001 recipient of the Clemson Sertoma Service to Mankind Award
• 2002 recipient of the Jefferson Award which is considered to be the Nobel Prize for public service

 

 

And the list goes on, but as you can see, Ellen Stumpf personifies the word service. It has been said that enthusiasm is often neglected as a force. But enthusiasm, you see, sets fire to the imagination. It asks "What if?" and "What can I do?” Today we are celebrating Ellen’s enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work by naming our new award in her honor—The Ellen Stumpf Spirit of Service Award. Please join me in recognizing this amazing lady, Mrs. Ellen Stumpf.

 

Ellen please remain with Mr. Holliday to help bestow the award to this year’s recipient.

 

 

 

At Keowee, we strive to build a culture of service. Students, you are the leaders of tomorrow, but you can also provide leadership today. I think service is sometimes  narrowly defined. It’s more than giving 10 minutes of your time or giving money to a charity. These are worthy, but today I want to challenge you to expand your notion of service. Service is not a single thing... a single event... It is not the collection of money in homeroom for a fundraiser... that's a service PROJECT. Service is not a social event or fieldtrip with your friends that you attend because it will be fun. And contrary to popular belief, it's not something that you do because it will make you look good. Service is a sincere gift of yourself to others. Paul McCartney said, "You get what you give. True service has no visible or tangible benefit to yourself. "

 

The purpose of the Ellen Stumpf Spirit of Service Award is recognize a student who provides outstanding service to Keowee Elementary and the community. A student that is exceptionally positive in their interactions, and always seeks to put the needs of others above his or her own needs.

 

This year’s honoree embodies Ellen Stumpf’s thoughtfulness and love of service. He is kind and hard working. He has proven to be a leader in our school’s Service Learning Club, where he participates eagerly and shows true concern for the causes we support. He is respectful and caring to teachers and classmates. He participates whole heartedly in service learning activities, including packing boxes at the local food pantry and ringing the bell before school to raise money for our Keowee Kindess fund. During our meetings he patiently mentors younger students. Like Ellen…on a daily basis…he demonstrates a giving, positive attitude, and a genuine love for service. Please join me is recognizing the 2014 Spirit of Service Award winner, 5^th grader, Nate Duncan.

 

His Art Teacher, Libby Imbody, sent a note to him today and I just have to share a portion of what she said to him.  "I have been a teacher for a long time, but throughout those years I have rarely taught a student as caring, compassionate, and kind as you.  I can tell yu have a true love for helping others, particularly those youger and less fortunate than yourself.  ...I have a quote that reminds me so much of your spirit..." Speak Your Mind Even If Your Voice Shakes."