Northeast Senior Wins Award After Raising Funds For Local Preschool

The Girl Scout Gold Award challenges high school students to change the world, or at least their corner of it. Northeast senior Becky Dobry not only accepted the task, but made such an impact that she was chosen as a Prudential Spirit of Community Awards distinguished finalist for her impressive service.

Working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, Dobry raised nearly $700 for Cisco Center, a Severna Park preschool for children with special needs that was destroyed by fire in 2010 and re-opened in 2012. She also organized a book drive and stuffed backpacks with books and toys, so they could be used in the center’s new book nook, which Dobry helped build.

“[My parents and I] started with the books, puppets and the book nook,” she indicated. “We found some backpacks at the store and thought we could fill them with different books and toys, and maybe a couple puppets. And the kids could check them out like a library, and then bring them back the next day.”

After her father taught her how to use the appropriate tools, Dobry built and painted the book nook. She also sewed small pillows and placed boxes at Northeast and High Point Elementary to collect books.

To raise money, Dobry orchestrated a concert for kids at Two Rivers Restaurant, where she enlisted the help of Northeast music teachers and alumni. Jazz band and chorus performed songs from the school’s winter concert for the audience.

“The community worked together to help us, so I think that turnout was mostly from people who came to Two Rivers because we gave out fliers and had announcements,” Dobry said. “Those people came and helped us raise money.”

The student’s efforts building the book nook, holding the book drive and planning the concert earned her a spot as one of six finalists for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the nation’s largest recognition program based solely on volunteer service. An independent judging panel selected Dobry and the other finalists from a field that included public and private middle and high schools across the country, as well as Girl Scout councils, American Red Cross chapters and other volunteer associations. Applicants had to submit an essay and winners were chosen based on personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth. Dobry likely will receive an engraved medal at Northeast’s senior awards assembly in May in recognition of her achievement.

Kristin Webster, Dobry’s school counselor, praised Dobry for her strong work ethic. In Webster’s five years at the school, Northeast has not had a distinguished finalist.

“Becky has been our guidance office aide all year, so she has been wonderful with running classes and keeping us organized,” Webster acknowledged. “She is very friendly and polite to parents when they come in … Becky is one of those students that is always here working on something for the school or helping the school. It’s just who she is and what she does.”

Because the fundraiser was successful and Dobry enjoyed planning it, she may continue her volunteer efforts after graduation. Providing materials for kids, and seeing their grateful reactions was a priceless experience.

“I think my favorite part was when we brought the book nook into the center because there were a few kids there at the time, so we got a few pictures and it was cute,” she declared. “They loved it.”