West Brook Student Chosen as Student Hero

Tutoring, preparing bags of essential items for foster care children, creating a drum line, assisting students with disabilities and hosting birthday parties for homeless children are just some of the caring and compassionate activities undertaken by 15 students selected to receive the State Board of Education’s 2017 Student Heroes Award.The board created the award to celebrate and highlight students who voluntarily perform acts of kindness that benefit fellow students, their school or community. One award recipient is selected per State Board district. This year, they range from a third-grade student to a high school senior. Each winner receives a plaque in recognition of their volunteerism. "One person can make a difference and these 15 Student Heroes prove it. Their work is inspirational and uplifting," said Donna Bahorich, chair of the State Board of Education. "The State Board of Education is delighted to shine a light on these caring and compassionate students who have enriched their schools and communities."

The board created the award to celebrate and highlight students who voluntarily perform acts of kindness that benefit fellow students, their school or community. One award recipient is selected per State Board district. This year, they range from a third-grade student to a high school senior. Each winner receives a plaque in recognition of their volunteerism. "One person can make a difference and these 15 Student Heroes prove it. Their work is inspirational and uplifting," said Donna Bahorich, chair of the State Board of Education. "The State Board of Education is delighted to shine a light on these caring and compassionate students who have enriched their schools and communities."

West Brook junior Sarah Schilberg was chosen to represent State Board of Education District 7. Sarah volunteers at a nursing home, serving breakfast and providing companionship to seniors with Alzheimer’s. She also founded Bruins Aiding in Community Service, a student group that visits a local retirement home each week to provide activities, gifts and companionship. She’s collected Christmas donations for low-income children, tutors fellow students in math, piano and clarinet and volunteers at the local soup kitchen.