Teen merits award for helping children

Elise Kowalczyk faces challenges like the pole-vaulter she is: She sights her goal and plants a firm foundation before hitting the sky.

That strategy recently earned her the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. To achieve the prize, a girl must complete 50 hours of community service and a number of projects.

Elise is a 15-year-old sophomore at Averill Park High School and a member of Girl Scout Troop 173.

Bible study

Elise decided that her project would be a Bible study week for children at St. Michael's Church in North Greenbush. The week, titled "Under Construction," was held last summer for 32 kids.

She found a framework for the week in a curriculum put out by Habitat for Humanity.

"We've always learned in my family that God gave you gifts, and you have to give them back," she said in explaining how she selected her project. "I wanted to get kids and teens involved in their community, and get them involved with learning about God at the same time."

Tick-tock

Elise realized that she'd have to be organized and manage her time well.

"There were so many aspects that had to go into it that I didn't think of," she explained. "I had to read through manuals and find the right ratios of counselors to campers. I wanted it to be run by teenagers, so I recruited a whole bunch of teens. I had to get supplies, plan activities.

"It was a lot of work, but it's a big accomplishment. I've never really been in charge of anything that big, and it felt really good once the week was over. I was so proud of myself."

Many aspects

Elise also had to make sure the program would meet state requirements and parent expectations, as well as entertain, educate and help children learn about God through skits, songs, crafts and games.

The children made doorstops, potpourri bags and key holders to distribute to Habitat for Humanity homeowners, and decorated t-shirts to donate to Habitat volunteers.

In addition, she had the children collect spare change and "passed the hard hat" each morning for donations. By the end of the week, the kids had come up with $172 for the charity.

Positive outcome

"It was really good," she said of the experience. "I really like working with little kids. It's important that young kids learn about God and good values, so they can make better choices when they are older. It feels good to have an impact on kids' lives."

Through the effort, Elise said, she honed her communication and leadership skills, and grew in organization and prioritization, all of which will come in handy for managing her hectic academic life.

She is using those same skills to explore new opportunities for teens in her area -- for example, a teen Mass she'd like to start at her parish.

"A lot of people think that going to church is boring," she said, "but it's really not. It's important to have teen Masses."

Involved

In addition to her interest in her faith, Elise is a pole vaulter who competes on the varsity track and field team at Averill Park. She also plays the flute and sings in the church choir. She called music a way to de-stress from a packed schedule.

"It's my way of letting everything out and escaping for however long I practice," she explained. "Music can alter your mood in a moment."

Elise's dream is to leave something behind, like a painting or a piece of music, that will be remembered for years to come. She also wants to be "the reason that people are happy."

She added: "Life is very good, and you should live it to the fullest. Give everything you have, and give it back to God, because He's the one that gave it to you."

(2/16/06) [[In-content Ad]]