'Caring Ambassadors' Honored by Counselors Group

Editor's Note: The following news brief was contributed by .

Each year the Mercer County Professional Counselors Association sponsors a program in which school guidance counselors select one “kind, caring, and compassionate citizen” from their respective schools as that school’s “Caring Ambassador.”

The students, their parents, and nominating counselors (designated by high school, middle school or elementary) then attend a breakfast in honor of the ambassadors.

The most recent of those breakfasts, for elementary school ambassadors, was held on May 18 at The College of New Jersey.

Lawrence Township Public Schools’ Caring Ambassadors and their nominating guidance counselors for 2011-2012 are:

Ben Franklin Elementary: Shawne Hoehne, nominated by Megan Umbach. Shawne has stood out to our teachers and staff since she was in Kindergarten. She is never one to seek attention, yet her kind actions always shine through. Shawne always thinks of others before herself, and displays a true sense of empathy and compassion for other students.

Eldridge Park Elementary: Veronica Kuliecza, nominated by Patricia Burns. Veronica, a third-grader, is recognized for her helpful, compassionate nature. She is the first to include others, welcome visitors, and volunteer to help. Veronica "fills buckets" and spreads kindness every day in numerous ways.

Lawrenceville Elementary: Barrett Miller, nominated by Kathy Jensen. Barrett is a very mature third-grader who serves as a Growing Bud, mentoring a younger student. She has really distinguished herself by visiting with her partner daily and discussing problem-solving strategies and making good choices. She is described by her teacher, Kristin Shields, as "caring and compassionate."

Slackwood School: Abby Crutchley, nominated by Melanie Seaman. Abby’s teacher, Mrs. Cordingley, states, “Abby notices when a classmate or teacher needs help, and finds ways to lend a hand in her own, quiet way. She never looks for praise for her caring words and actions. Abby is a person who looks for the best in people and treats them with respect. She sets high standards for her relationships with others and works hard to be a good friend, a good student, and a good person.”

Lawrence Intermediate: Erika Diefenbach, nominated by Jennifer Holmes. Although Erika has had many accomplishments of kindness over the past three years, her work with the Friendship Club (which helped fourth-grade students make friends and build community at LIS), her compassion for those with Autism (expressed through morning announcements for Autism Awareness month, April 2011), and her continued caring for other students who are in need, were achievements highlighted at the ceremony.

Lawrence Middle School: Arielle Drossman, nominated by Patti Esser. Arielle was the obvious choice for many reasons. Arielle never judges, never criticizes, has never said an unkind word about anyone and is consistently respectful and cooperative. Arielle is wise and mature beyond her age. She forgives all wrong doing, never holds a grudge, and always goes out of her way to assist another classmate or fellow human being.

Lawrence High School: Vanessa Manso, nominated by Christian D’Angelo. Vanessa is very bright and mature, a peer leader and National Honor Society member. She is also involved in Cheerleading, and volunteering with Special Olympics. Vanessa will attend Rutgers University in the fall.