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2012-2013 AmeriCorps Student Leaders in Service

The AmeriCorps Student Leaders in Service program is an AmeriCorps Education Award only program, which engages college students as AmeriCorps members. The mission of AmeriCorps is to get things done for America and bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Through service, students work within education settings, preserve and restore the environment, and work with hunger and homelessness issues, to name a few. Upon completion of 300 hours of service, this year's recipients will receive an education award of $1,175.

The four recipients of this year's award are:

Nicolette McMaster- Nicolette is a junior here at Bridgewater State, majoring in Physical Education with a concentration in teaching (Middle and High school) also with a minor in psychology. She is a sister of Gamma Phi Beta and holds the position of philanthropy chair woman. In this role, she plans events that sponsor their local philanthropy, the Children s Physical Developmental Clinic and their National Philanthropic focus, Building Strong Girls. Nicolette is also a member of BSU Buddies and on the Relay For Life committee, where she works with campus outreach. Growing up in Lynn, Mass an urban area, is what made her decide to be a teacher. Nikki wants to help educate urban youth in the areas of physical and mental development. She is very passionate about her school work as well as her service work. After graduation, Nikki hopes to become a Physical Education teacher in an urban middle school.

Nikki will be volunteering at Girls Incorporated in Taunton, MA. There she will be doing "Mind plus Body" programs with girls ages 9-13. The reason for this is that Nikki thinks it is crucial to educated our youth not just in the "class room topics" but to inform them about physical activity and its benefits as well as self esteem awareness with positive reinforcement.

Camille Schulman: Camille is a senior working towards her dual licensure ELED/SPED and Mathematics major. Camille grew up in Barnstable, MA where she first discovered her passion for education and acceptance of people with disabilities. One cause Camille believes strongly in is Spread the Word to End the Word.

This year she will be working at the Family Life Center and the Old Colony Y in Brockton. Camille is excited to work with the families and children at the FLC and help make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing hard times in their life. She likes that everyone at the FLC is so welcoming and accepting of all who walk through the door; everyone has such an open mind and is willing to help everyone.

Hannah Taverna -Hannah is a junior Social Work major from Hingham, MA. She is a mentor for a Brockton High School student through the FAM for Change program and also a member of the Social Justice League. Her first year at BSU Hannah was an AmeriCorps member with Jumpstart program and last year tutored children affected by homelessness with School on Wheels. Hannah is passionate about many social justice issues and enjoys the opportunity to serve and help the community.

This year she will be volunteering at Father Bill's and Mainspring in Brockton. When asked, Hannah said "I love Mainspring because of the dedicated care and support they continue to provide to individuals facing homelessness, as well as their mission of ending homelessness."

Monica Chalke- Monica is a senior mathematics major who is graduating this May. She is from Sandwich MA and her passion is to teach math primarily in middle school or high school. She enjoys working with the youth and hopes to help make a difference in their lives.

Monica has been splitting her time at two different Boys and Girls Clubs, one in Brockton and one down on Cape Cod. Monica explained that what she likes about the Boys and Girls Clubs is she is able to interact with children that are different ages and come from different backgrounds. "I have enjoyed working with these children in helping them to gain the confidence in their studies."