John Bapst Brittney Nickerson ’14 has been awarded the Bronze level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her volunteer efforts in 2012, according to a letter sent to Head of School Mel MacKay on January 18, 2013 by FairPoint Pioneers Portland Council President Christina Query Shea.
Nickerson volunteered over 170 hours for the Pioneers in 2012. She worked very hard sewing heart pillows for Maine Medical Center Cardiac Unit as part of the Mended Hearts Program. She also collected and delivered afghans to Comforting Blankets in Bangor. Comforting Blankets is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving every cancer patient and every pediatric patient at Eastern Maine Medical Center a homemade blanket, quilt, or afghan.
These endeavors coupled with Nickerson’s involvement in school programs such as SEAC and Key Club, made her the perfect candidate for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
“I am so happy to see a student have such a call for civic responsibility. This speaks volumes of her home life and of the education she receives at John Bapst Memorial High School. I extend my congratulations to your school for helping shape such students today who will in turn, shape our World tomorrow,” said Shea.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created to honor American citizens that have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteer hours over their lifetimes. This Award was created by President George W. Bush in 2002 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in their communities throughout the United States. This award is a way to thank and honor American citizens who have demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to civic participation and have inspired others to volunteer as well.
The Bronze Award is issued to young adults who volunteer between 100 and 174 hours in a 12-month period. The volunteer hours must be approved by certifying organizations. The award includes an official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a congratulatory letter from the president of the United States.
Nickerson is the daughter of Mark and Sandy Nickerson of Dedham.