“If everyone had her sense of giving there would be less suffering” – Our 2015 SHS Scholarship Recipient
Erin Gamble
One could not think of a more deserving recipient of the annual scholarship that bears Casey’s name at her high school alma mater than Erin Gamble. Recommended by her Springfield High School (SHS) teacher, Pat Delaney, Erin received a scholarship from the Casey Feldman Foundation to attend Mount Saint Mary’s University this year where she is majoring in health science in hopes of becoming of a nurse or physical therapist.
During high school Erin volunteered each summer for the Appalachia Service Project, where she repaired homes for low income families in Central Appalachia making their humble abodes warm, safe and dry. She also volunteered at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and made meals for Aids For Friends – an outreach program for the elderly. In school, Erin was part of Freshmen Mentors, The Turkey Fund and the Steve Stefani Dance Marathon which raises money to fight childhood cancer. Erin found time for all of these charitable activites while playing varsity soccer, running track and maintaining a focus on her studies.
In recommending Erin for the scholarship, Pat Delaney stated, ” Erin is a student who will work with ANY other student in the classroom, with a welcoming, cheery smile. It amazes me to see her optimism shine through in situations that would stymie many others. Erin’s compassion for others – in the classroom, in her community, and in the world is humbling to observe. If everyone had her sense of giving there would be less suffering.”
Erin is currently winding down her first semester in college where she played division I soccer, contributing to one of Mount Saint Mary’s best seasons ever. She has continued her service in college, participating in organizing a campus Special Olympics as well as working to repair a home in Philadelphia for a needy family. According to Erin, “Now that my schedule is loosening up and soccer is over for the season, I look forwarding to engaging in more service work!”
_
