Sydni Hernandez
2011 Spirit of Love Scholarship University Scholarship Recipient
Alexa Almaguer
2011 Spirit of Love Scholarship High School Scholarship Recipient

2012 Spirit of Love Scholarship Award Dinner
8th Annual Awards Celebration
Friday, June 15, 2012

Place:
Holiday Inn Select North Dallas
2645 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX. 75234

Recipients

Sydni Hernandez - 2011, University Recipient

Growing up I have always felt that I could do so much with my life. It was not until my freshman year that I understood why being a teacher was so important to me. I am the type of person that does not believe in labels and who loves to take care of people. I have decided that my act of service is to be a youth minister. Being a youth minister would be such amazing job. Not only do you get to help struggling teens or teens that absolutely love God, you learn from them also. I have two sayings that I always go by, “Smile, God loves you” and “Never give up”.

Alexa Almaguer - 2011, High School Recipient

As I was searching on Google for volunteer opportunities in the Dallas area, I came across the Princess Alexa Foundation. With my name also being Alexa, I immediately became interested in the foundation. Being a part of the Princess Alexa Foundation has taught me to appreciate the life God has given me and the gift He has blessed me with. This experience has helped me realize that my purpose in life is helping others.

Megan Koenecke - 2011, University Recipient

My journey to earning my Gold Award has profoundly changed me, allowing me to connect with individual lives and help people on a personal level. When I look at this simple patch, I am reminded that one person can make a difference in another person’s life, that caring about another can bring change to the world. My experience at Brook Army Medical Center inspired my epiphany. I will never again doubt my own power to make a difference, nor my obligation to follow that inspiration.

Blair McDonald - 2011, University Recipient

My passion is the driving force that makes me get out of bed in the morning knowing that I am going to make a difference in someone else’s life. If I have learned one thing in my life, it’s that any limitation set on me can be broken by my own dedication and determination. My passion is to spread this idea to children who, like me, have had someone tell them they can’t reach their dreams.

Madeleine Spicer - 2011, High School Recipient

A few years ago, my mom and I chose to become volunteers at Operation Kindness (OK). My service at OK taught me that one person can make a significant difference. I made an important difference in the lives of cats that I worked with at OK, and the cats in turn made a difference in the lives of the people who adopted them.

Brian Grant - 2011, University Recipient

Community service is a very good activity to be involved in. Not only does it help a person out, but also provides a good feeling within. However, it is not about what we are supposed to feel but instead, how we affect the person we are serving. One of the long lasting effects we can make on one person is through community service and providing joy for that person. Spending time with a person provides a personal sense to the matter meaning that person feels that they have someone in their life willing to be with them.

Laura Mixtacki - 2010, University Recipient

Service to others is a both a responsibility and a privilege. I believe that each of us has a duty to make the world a better place using our unique God-given gifts and talents. Although I volunteer for various non-profit organizations, my involvement with Metrocrest Social Services gave me a deeper and more personal commitment to servitude. Here I work one-on-one with individuals in my immediate community to help create positive change in their lives.

Francesca Gomez - 2010, High School Recipient

As an eighth grader at Mary Immaculate School, who enjoys volunteering, I have seen a difference in my community through volunteering my time with the MIS spirits. I am a dancer and Lieutenant of the High stepper drill team, every Friday during football season; I would spend time helping the Spirits. The Spirits are a group of fifth and sixth grade girls who dance during halftime at the JV football games.

Neiry Inguanzo - 2009, University Recipient

This past summer I was able to go on a trip to New Orleans with about 20 other members of the Mary Immaculate youth group. We were on our way to Louisiana for S.H.I.N.E. Catholic Work Camp. S.H.I.N.E., Serving Him in the Needy and the Elderly, is a yearly summer camp all about service and helping others. Throughout the weekend I was able to work with Habitat for Humanity in the rebuilding of a house that was previously torn down by the Katrina hurricane. From sunrise to sunset I was able to give my helping hands with any work that was needed.

Natalia Gonzalez - 2009, High School Recipient

Pro-Life

"Whatever you do for the least of my brothers you do to me," (Matthew 25:37). The Lord clearly states that we should seek our brothers and sisters. The process in which you help others enriches their lives and our souls. My Catholic faith, through Mary Immaculate School, has greatly enhanced my desire to make a difference in the community. The desire to seek to serve not let it seek you out.