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Profiles in Character
Featured students: Featured students: Jesse and Emmet Golden-Marx, Grade 11, Saratoga Springs High School, Age 17: Over the years 17-year-old twins Emmet and Jesse Golden-Marx have gotten a lot out of the library – thousands of borrowed books, a love of learning, the spirit of volunteerism and, more recently the satisfaction of knowing that others half a world away will have the same opportunities, thanks in part to their help. Family friend and Director of the Academy for Lifelong Learning Jo-Ellen Unger nominated the boys for this month’s “citizenship” theme. The boys are sons of two Skidmore College English professors, Catherine Golden and Michael Marx. About three years ago, the Golden-Marxs hosted one of Michael’s students for dinner. The young man, Joseph Kaifala, was from the tiny African nation of Sierra Leone. He had been given a scholarship through the United World Colleges, a 2-year pre-university residential school dedicated to international understanding among young people from throughout the world. He later chose to attend Skidmore College, where he graduated earlier this month. Joseph told the boys about how he was personally affected by the civil war in his home country, about how his home was bombed and his family displaced and the extreme poverty there. He also told them about the international school and his hopes to build and stock a library for the people in Sierra Leone. The boys were inspired to help him. “Buying Books for the Bookless,” was launched three years ago as a way to help raise funds to build a library. With some flyers, a jar and a map of Africa the boys set up a folding table in front of the Saratoga Springs Public Library and began raising awareness and money to help in Joseph’s plan. They raised $400 the first year and another $350 the second year. In addition, Joseph was able to secure a grant from the Davis Foundation for $10,000. The money was enough to build the library last year. “You know your $10 goes a long way when you can build a library for $10,000,” said Catherine Golden. This summer the twins will continue their project, raising funds for a school to be built in Sierra Leone. Donations may be sent to “Buying Books for the Bookless” c/o The Adirondack Trust Company, 473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. “Through their initiative and continued commitment to these projects, Jesse and Emmet have proven themselves valued citizens of not only their community, but of the nation and the world,” she Unger. Their dedication was no surprise to their parents. “ They grew up going to the library and now they’re giving back to libraries,” said their mother. The boys began volunteering as Book Buddies in 2002. By the time they were in middle school, they were involved in the Teen Advisory Group, organized to encourage teens to become more involved in library programming. And last year, the boys were asked to be the first high school students to serve as junior board members on the library board of Directors. They were recently re-inducted to the library board for a second year. The boys are not yet sure what their college plans are, but they say their experience helping Joseph has taught them the importance of philanthropy and giving back to society.
Other nominations: From Geyser Road Elementary SchoolLuca Reeder, Kindergarten, Age 6: Luca is patient and kind. She has shown very mature citizenship and social skills in the classroom. Alex Morrell, Grade 1, Age 6: Alex leads our class in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag everyday. He is very proud of his job making sure everyone stands up and participates. Angelina Boyd, Grade 2, Age 8: Angelina is a student who has made Geyser Road’s community her own. She is the first one to “pay it forward.” Angelina has donated items to the Children’s Hospital; collected cans for our food drive and donated money for our health fair. Angelina is an active and giving member of our classroom community. Morgan Schermerhorn, Grade 3, Age 9: Morgan was nominated for his consistent hard work and kind treatment of others. He is a great example of citizenship. Logan Kimble-Lee, Grade 3, Age 9: Logan was nominated for her fair treatment of others and her consistent hard work. She is a terrific classroom citizen.
From Caroline Street Elementary School
Sabrina Herlick, Grade 5, Age 11: Sabrina is a very caring, responsible student who is always looking for ways to help others. She is also a big fan of American Idol, and after watching the recent “Idol Gives Back” she decided that she wanted to continue to help one of the causes featured on the show. Sabrina drafted a letter to the Caroline Street School community asking for their help in raising money to buy mosquito nets for South Africans who are plagued by malaria. Sabrina’s goal is to raise $1,000, which would buy 100 nets to donate to Malaria No More, the organization featured on this season’s “Idol Gives Back” television special. In addition, Sabrina is active in her Girl Scout Troop. She sets a wonderful example for yung people that you’re never to young to help others.
From Maple Avenue Middle School
Joe Wagner, Grade 8, Age 14: Joe is the first to show initiative to volunteer or help others. Joe does these things for the benefit of others, because it is the right thing to do. Joe is a member of Have a Heart Club. He makes every meeting and gives no less than 100%. Joe is always coming up with new ideas and ways of helping our school as well as others throughout the community. Joe spends many hours throughout the Saratoga community volunteering and helping with events and many programs at Lake Avenue Elementary School. Joe is a role model for students of all ages on how to be civil and an active member of the community.
From Saratoga Springs High School
Stephanie Charboneau, Grade 9, Age 14: One of the most important duties we have as citizens is to volunteer. Stephanie volunteers every Sunday morning at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. She gets up early to volunteer her time and energy on a day many of us choose to sleep in. She walks some of the dogs there, showing them affection they don’t get anywhere else. Stephanie cares for those in our community who have no one themselves, the truest sign of citizenship.
From Franklin Community Center, Inc. Project Lift is an after school prevention-based program run by Franklin Community Center, Inc., Jordan Stern, Grade 12, Saratoga Springs High School: As a volunteer for Project Lift, Jordan is extremely respectful, responsible, and a positive role model for the students who attend the program. He is always more than willing to help with all aspects of the prevention lessons and contributes a great deal to them. Jordan also does a great job of keeping the Lifters on task and making sure they follow all of the Project Lift rules. Recently, Jordan took part in a Town Hall meeting that was coordinated by the Partnership for Prevention to increase community awareness about the risks of underage drinking. Jordan was chosen to be one of the six high school student panelists that discussed this important issue. He did an amazing job articulating his message to a large audience that included: Mayor Scott Johnson, District Attorney James Murphy, III, Saratoga Springs School Superintendent Janice White and numerous other community members. Because of the amazing job he did on the panel and all that he does for Project Lift, he exemplifies good citizenship. If you know a young
person in the Saratoga Springs City School District who deserves
recognition in the “Profiles in Character” feature please send in a
nomination form. The forms are available
here. Complete the short form and
forward it to the Saratoga Partnership for Prevention, 36 Phila
Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. You can also fax the form to
581-1240, or email to
partnership@preventioncouncil.org.
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