Latest news with #CertificateofAppreciation
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Westfield High School announces Bronze Tablet nominees for the Class of 2025
WESTFIELD — Eight Westfield High School students have been nominated for The Bronze Tablet, awarded annually at the Senior Assembly to the member of the graduating class who has done the most for the welfare, good name, and progress of the school. The student's name is permanently engraved on a bronze tablet and added to the plaque, which stands prominently in the main entrance to the school near the auditorium. The winner is determined each year by a vote of the senior class from the list of students nominated by the faculty. All eight of this year's nominees said they were honored to have been nominated by their teachers and the staff for the award. Jillian Battles Western New England University — Health & Political Sciences Jillian Battles said she has always known that she wanted to be a family physician specializing in pediatrics. At the same time, community service has been a major part of her life. She started her own service project, Jillian's Bags for Bravery, making 800 care bags for troops and veterans for four years and raising nearly $40,000 from local businesses and community members. Jillian volunteered as an assistant swim coach at the YMCA and took part in their Leaders Club. She participated all four years on the WHS Varsity Swim Team, serving as captain in her senior year. She is also on the Varsity Tennis Team, serving as captain in her junior and senior years. She is in the National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Future Medical Professionals Club, Space and Astronomy Club, Current Issues Club, Morgan's Message, and the Key Club, serving as president in her senior year. Jillian was named the Sons of Erin colleen in 2025. She has received the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award, numerous VFW and American Legion awards, the Department of Veterans Affairs Certificate of Appreciation, official citations from the city of Westfield, state Rep. Kelly Pease and state Sen. John Velis, the Kiwanis Good Citizen Award, and most recently, the Ray Hershel Scholarship. 'Together, we can all make a wall of kindness that can prevail over all that's wrong in the world,' Jillian said. Luke Bulan University of Massachusetts Amherst — Nursing & Biomedical Engineering Luke Bulan said his first class on his first day at WHS was Show Choir, where he was welcomed by 'the warmest group of people I have yet to know even now.' He said 'a switch was flipped inside of me,' and he went on to serve as vice president and president of the Show Choir in his junior and senior years. This year he was selected as a member of the Massachusetts Music Educators All-State Chorus. In his sophomore year, Luke started a project for the WHS Science Fair based in the medical field. 'This decision changed the course of my life. My ongoing neonatal care blanket project is my greatest accomplishment, as I have poured three years into developing it, and it is something with such a great potential to help so many people someday when it is fully realized.' He began volunteering at Baystate Medical Center in the Student Ambassador Program, and continued his volunteer work at Baystate Noble in the years that followed. At WHS, he served on the Quiz Team, Key Club, varsity tennis, as a manager for the boys and girls volleyball teams, and has won many music, science and engineering awards. 'Thanks to these choices, I'm committed to a path in life that will revolve around caring for others, and I have Westfield High School to thank for providing the setting for me to freely make these choices.' Sydney Drugan Bridgewater State University — Environmental Geosciences Sydney Drugan joined the Student Council as a freshman, hoping to make a lasting impact. 'Through countless events, fundraisers, and leadership opportunities, I'm proud to say I've helped do just that,' she said. Sydney is an Executive Board member and this year's Executive Board president, helping to lead discussions with administrators to ensure student voices are heard. Sydney also served the Class of 2025 as class president in her freshman and sophomore years, and as class historian for the past two years. She said she has worked to keep their class connected, engaged, and excited about school through events and experiences they'll remember well after graduation. In the WHS engineering program, Sydney was part of a team that won the 2022 Mass STEM Week Challenge, which awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the engineering department, inspiring her to pursue a future in geoscience and engineering. In 2024, Sydney was named the Sons of Erin Westfield colleen. She is also involved in the Miss America Organization, and has 17 years of competitive dance experience. 'The lessons I've learned here will continue to guide me in everything I do beyond high school, and I'll always carry them with me,' she said. Brandon Guyott Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Computer Science 'I have always felt the desire to give back to the community that has given me so much,' said Guyott. He joined the Key Club as a freshman, volunteering at the Soup Kitchen and other events such as the Rays of Hope cancer walk and the CHD luminaria display. During his time on the Student Council he helped with the organization of school events like Spirit Week. In the past two years, he has been a member of the National Honor Society, doing many hours of volunteer work and tutoring. Also as a freshman, Guyott joined the WHS Robotics Club out of his passion for technology, and served as vice president for two years. In his junior year, he founded the WHS Coding Club. 'Being the president of Coding Club has strengthened the skills that were burgeoning under my leadership position in Robotics Club, and I have had so much fun working on digital dice games and building little HTML websites, among other projects over the past couple years.' He said running both of these clubs helped him realize the value of communication and feedback. 'Being a student at Westfield High School has been an enjoyable experience in large part because of the vibrant community,' he said. Emery Smith University of Massachusetts Amherst — Animal Science | Pre-Vet Emery Smith said her involvement in extracurriculars didn't begin until her sophomore year when she ran for class historian and became class president in her junior and senior years, earning her a spot on the Executive Board of the Student Council. She also joined Letters for Rose, the National Honor Society, Key Club, Debate Club, and Conservation Club. 'What truly motivated me to start joining clubs, sports teams, and eventually take on leadership roles in both of those areas, was the spirit and pride my fellow classmates, colleagues, and teammates showed when it came to representing the black and red,' she said. As a member of the varsity soccer team for four years, Emery served as team captain her senior year, earning the trust of her coaches and teammates, and helping to run soccer clinics for middle school girls. She also spent three years on the track team, where she played in the All Western Meet all three years. In the broader community, Emery contributed 200-plus hours of volunteering with the Westfield Homeless Cat project and AJ Stables, and worked at High Meadows summer camp, teaching kids the basics and importance of the equine industry. Emery plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst in animal science with a pre vet track, in hopes of attending four years of veterinary school and finishing off with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Sophie Svantesson Providence College — Biology & Pre-Vet After experiences in sports and on the Math Team as a freshman at WHS, Sophie Svantesson joined the Student Council in her sophomore year and was elected vice president, a position she has held since. Earning a spot on the Executive Board, she helped to plan events that every individual could enjoy. 'This position allowed me to expand my leadership and embrace the spirit of WHS,' she said. She participated in dozens of volunteering opportunities, her favorite being working with children on youth holiday breakfasts at Shaker Country Club. Sophie said that Westfield's soccer program developed her leadership to its full potential. 'As the goalkeeper, it's my responsibility to oversee the entire playing field, a role that has taught me the importance of maintaining high self-confidence while also properly communicating.' She was named a captain in her junior and senior seasons and received various awards. These skills and experiences also provided opportunities in the community, including coaching a local youth team, running soccer clinics, and becoming a paid goalkeeper instructor. Sophie was also a part of WHS softball teams that has won numerous awards, including the 2022 state championship. Her academic awards include Dartmouth College Book Award and Highest Honor Roll. 'Westfield High School has given me lifelong friends,' she said. Logan Szenda Roger Williams University — Environmental Engineering When Logan Szenda first entered high school, he focused on academics and swimming, contributing to the WHS team winning runner-up in the Western Mass championship in his freshman and sophomore years, and competing at states. He became lifeguard certified and began his first job as a lifeguard at the Westfield YMCA for two summers. As a junior, his swim team won first place in a relay and performed well at states, and Logan became recognized as a Connecticut Scholar Athlete for his good academics and involvement in club swimming. As a senior, Logan qualified for YMCA Nationals for club swimming. 'That was a goal that I had to work incredibly hard to achieve,' he said. Szenda said it wasn't until his junior year that he started to branch out, beginning with a nomination for the National Honors Society. He became involved with clubs, starting with Key Club and Letters for Rose. 'I learned that I loved being involved with my school and community,' he said. In his senior year, Logan became treasurer of NHS, a Global Glimpse ambassador and a member of Dear Lina and Best Buddies. 'I have learned to not wait for an opportunity to come but to open the door before anyone knocks, because sometimes you might be waiting for a while or someone may never knock.' Ceileigh Thomson University of Massachusetts Lowell — Music Ceileigh Thompson said the true center and heart of her journey has always been music. She served as a drum major and executive assistant of the WHS band, and has been enrolled in every band class throughout high school, participating in the jazz ensemble, pit band and various small groups. Ceileigh also represents WHS as principal trombonist in the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is a seven-year participant in the MMEA-WD ensembles, including concert band, orchestra and jazz band. Ceileigh said she feels honored to represent Westfield on the regional and state-wide level, and of having had the opportunity to mentor young musicians in the Westfield School Programs. As the Tri-M Music Honor Society vice president, she assists in making it possible for young musicians to have access to resources, she said. Outside of music, Ceileigh is a four- year member of the swim and dive team, recently serving as captain. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a staff member for the school newspaper, 'The Bomber Blaze,' as well as participating in the Space and Astronomy Club, Key Club and Best Buddies. This fall, she will pursue music studies at UMass Lowell. 'I want to be able to support and teach future generations and give the same opportunities I grew up with. I have seen first hand how music can allow people to feel expression and be an outlet. My mentors have given this to me, and I feel the need to give back,' Ceileigh said. Read the original article on MassLive.
Muscat Daily
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Pakistan honours its citizen in Oman for social service
Muscat – A Pakistani social worker based in Oman has been recognised by the government of Pakistan for years of quiet service supporting expatriates in distress – work he continues without an official title or organisational backing. Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari, originally from Pakistan, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, an agency under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The certificate acknowledges his commitment to assisting destitute expatriates, particularly those caught in legal or financial crises within Oman's prison system. Over the years, Bukhari has helped repatriate more than 150 prisoners, including not only Pakistanis but also nationals of Bangladesh and Afghanistan. He also coordinates the return of deceased expatriates and runs a small wheelchair distribution initiative for the differently-abled. His efforts are self-managed, with no formal structure or fundraising mechanism. 'This honour means a lot, not just for me, but for every volunteer and well-wisher who stands up for those who have no voice,' Bukhari said. 'Helping prisoners and the needy is not just a social responsibility – it is a spiritual duty.' He credits the Pakistani embassy in Muscat and the broader expatriate community for their continued support. 'No humanitarian effort succeeds in isolation. It's always a team effort, driven by compassion and backed by belief,' he said. His repatriation work involves close coordination with legal teams and community members. In cases involving prisoners, the cost of return tickets is channelled through a local travel agency, Travel House, to ensure transparency. The certificate, issued by the chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, is not the first recognition for Bukhari. He has also received the American Red Cross Life Saving Award, appreciation letters from governors in Pakistan, and the Outstanding Citizen of Pakistan Award. His work has been officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development. Still, Bukhari says he draws strength not from awards, but from the people he helps. 'I may be doing this as a one-man show, but I never feel alone. The prayers and trust of the community are my strength,' he said.
The Courier
22-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Family of Dundee Sea Cadets commander Bill Wylie MBE pay tribute one year after death
The family of Bill Wylie MBE, who was a former commanding officer of Dundee Sea Cadets for decades, have paid tribute to him a year after his death. A service was recently held to mark the first anniversary of his passing aged 74. It came as his mother Eliza died aged 103 just a few weeks ago on April 23. Lieutenant Commander (SCC) W G Wylie MBE RNR was born in Perth on November 5 1949. He attended Northern District, then Goodlyburn schools. When he left school, he started an apprenticeship as an agricultural engineer. From there, he moved to Harry Emslie as a sales rep. He then worked in various motor parts companies the rest of his career until near retirement age. Around this time he drove a minibus for Barnados, then as bakery deliverer for Wallace's. The Sea Cadets played a huge role in Bill's life from a young age. He joined Perth Sea Cadets at 12 years old, where he was a champion swimmer. In 1970, he joined Dundee Sea Cadets as a Petty Officer (PO), where he was introduced to his wife, Myra, through her lifelong friend Irene. They married in July 1973. Their only daughter Karen was born the following year. Bill rose through the ranks with the Cadets, becoming Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, then Lieutenant Commander. He held many positions, including CO of Dundee, District Officer, Area Boats Officer and Area Band Officer. He was instrumental in starting the Dundee boat station, which originated in the old Cal Fab building in the docks. When Bill joined, cadets were based on HMS Unicorn, before a unit was built in the grounds of HMS Camperdown. In 2004, they moved to a purpose built unit, where it remains to this day. Bill received an MBE for his long service to Sea Cadets in the 2006 Birthday Honours. He was presented with this at Buckingham Palace from the then Prince Charles. Bill also received the Captains Medal for 50 year's dedicated service to Sea Cadets. Also presented was a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding service to The Sea Cadets and volunteers of Northern Area. Other accolades included a Platinum Jubilee Certificate of Merit in June 2022. Bill spent his whole life dedicated to the Sea Cadets, where he took the youngsters to numerous competitions within the UK and Ireland. He even managed to acquire a 52 seater bus to take them to Germany, where the band attended various events in Ingolstadt. Bill was also instrumental in forming the tri-service cadet band with the Army and air force cadets. Following his death on May 6 2024, many Facebook tributes gave an insight into how Bill was instrumental in shaping a lot of their lives. Dundee Sea Cadets said: 'Bill was a very well known member of the Sea Cadets and over his many years service held many roles at Unit, District and Area level. 'Over the years he helped many children to achieve and have adventures that they have stories and memories to remember for a lifetime.' His wife Myra was also heavily involved with the cadets, starting the girls' section, becoming a CO herself. Their daughter Karen also played in the band. Bill is survived by his wife Myra, daughter Karen, son in law Frankie and grandsons Owen and Luca. His sister Katherine lives in Perth Australia. His mother Eliza also lived there until her recent passing.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two men honored with awards from Sidney American Legion Post
SIDNEY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Sidney American Legion Post honored two men Monday morning for helping the community in a big way. Illinois House passes carbon sequestration protections for Mahomet Aquifer Miller Winston and Dean Hail are being honored with Certificate of Appreciation awards for buying a sound system so people can hear better during military ceremonies and programs at the Mount Hope Cemetery. They both said its always windy or a train comes through so no one is able to hear, including them. To combat this issue, they bought a sound system everyone can take advantage of. 'I didn't do it for any recognition, I did it because a lot of people deserve it,' Winston said. 'I felt good to be able to be part of it' Both Winston and Hail received the certificates of recognition from Post 433 for their donation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Hato Hone St John unveils new ambulance for Ruatōria community
Ludlow thanked the trusts that funded the ambulance – Grassroots Trust Central, Greenlea Foundation Trust and Kelliher Charitable Trust. Sean Hannin, representing Grassroots, initially spoke about how the funder was targeting problem gambling. But there was a good side, he said. It was enjoyable seeing something so valuable 'for the community, funded by the community'. The trust pumped $1.2 million into Gisborne each year, Hannin said. Hato Hone St John fundraising manager north Jeanette Horan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Freemasons Foundation, represented by Tony Ford, for its support. The foundation recently donated generators to St John in Ruatōria, Gisborne and Wairoa. Gisborne Hato Hone St John area support manager Greg Fisher said the generator in Ruatōria had already been used multiple times. 'It's cool to have a brand-new truck going to Ruatōria', Fisher said. 'It's really important to us to have good equipment. It will be reliable. 'Staff up there have worked really hard and it means we can offer a better service.' The Waka Manaaki branding is designed to connect more with Aotearoa New Zealand, while an increased volume of reflective material increases visibility.
