If you ask seniors Alana Snyder and Ike Adler why they are so committed to community service, they would not say it is because of the awards or accolades they might receive as a result. But the spirit of service and compassion that they both exemplify has not gone unnoticed.
On October 4, Alana and Ike received the annual Youth in Service Awards given by the Brentwood Community Council. They were also recognized by the offices of State Assembly member Mike Feuer and State Senator Fran Pavley for their outstanding commitment to service. Alana and Ike were nominated by former Upper Division Service Learning Coordinator Teri Redman, who believes their dedication and willingness to serve are inspiring to all who encounter them.
Alana is a student involved in all aspects of the service learning program. She is the president of the Interact Club—the youth division of Rotary International—which led her to her work with Upward Bound House, a Santa Monica facility that provides housing for families in transition. She is also very involved in the Brentwood chapter of Best Buddies, and she has been a Summer Service Camp counselor. Alana is an enthusiastic participant and an inspirational leader, a model of community spirit and good will.
One of Alana’s greatest passions is participating in local events—walks and runs—that support finding a cure for various illnesses. In her own words: “For some reason, I love participating in the various awareness walks around the Los Angeles community. Maybe it’s the huge crowds all actively doing the walk to support one cause. Maybe it’s the general vibe. Maybe it’s because I think awareness and fundraising are crucial in determining cures. And it might even be the culmination of all those possibilities.â€
Ike has done more community service work than any other student in the school. By the end of his junior year, he had given well over 650 hours of his time. Despite the number of hours served, Ike’s contribution cannot be counted merely in units of time, but rather in his dedication to make a difference.
“On select weekends throughout the year and for one week during the summer, I volunteer at a camp for children with chronic illnesses,†said Ike. “I am so fortunate for this opportunity, and it is a very special experience every time I volunteer there. It’s one of the only experiences I’ve had where I’ve actually felt like and knew that I was positively impacting another person’s life.â€
These two students embody the compassion that is woven into the fabric of Brentwood School life. Congratulations to both of them. And keep up the great work!
