Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – 2008 Presque Isle High School graduate Erin Thomas has been recognized by Unicel as a “High School Hero” for her exemplary commitment to improving her community through volunteer public service.
File photo
ERIN THOMAS, a 2008 Presque Isle High School graduate, was recently honored by Unicel as a “High School Hero” for her exemplary commitment to improving her community through volunteer public service. Thomas, the daughter of Lee and Marianne Thomas of Westfield, received a $2,000 High School Heroes scholarship and award certificate for her community service activities. She was honored for helping with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Thomas has also donated her time as a volunteer with the Central Aroostook Humane Society and with the Special Olympics. Here, Thomas is shown filling one of the many shoeboxes that were sent overseas last Christmas as part of Operation Christmas Child.
Thomas received a $2,000 High School Heroes scholarship and award certificate for her community service activities. She was honored for helping with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Thomas has also donated her time as a volunteer with the Central Aroostook Humane Society and with the Special Olympics.
During her senior year, Thomas organized a collection drive to benefit Operation Christmas Child, a program of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and evangelism organization led by Franklin Graham. Shoeboxes were filled with school supplies, toys, and personal items that help introduce children to Jesus Christ.
“We collected a total of 46 boxes,” said Thomas. “They were for both boys and girls ages 2-14 that were distributed to children in Third World continents like Africa and South America.”
Thomas was involved with the Special Olympics during her junior and senior year of high school, and the humane society the last four years.
“I’d go in during school vacations and whenever else I could,” she said, “and help them clean out the cages, walk the dogs or play with the cats.
“I enjoy the sense of making other people – and even animals – happy,” said Thomas. “It’s a feel good sort of thing, and I’d want it done in return for me … that’s why I like volunteering.”
Thomas was nominated by her father, Lee, for the High School Hero award.
“I didn’t even know he did that,” she said. “It was a complete surprise. I was very excited when I found out I had won. I’d like to thank Unicel for recognizing me in this way.”
Unicel created the “High School Heroes” program to recognize and celebrate high school students who volunteer their time in the community.
“At Unicel, we’re proud to support students like Erin Thomas who have dedicated their time and energy to make Westfield and the surrounding communities an even better place to live,” said Peter Hyszczak, Unicel sales director. “Such public service is critical to strengthening our communities.”
The High School Heroes program was inspired by Unicel’s “Hometown Heroes” program, which honors firefighters and emergency rescue personnel for their heroic and everyday acts in the communities where Unicel’s customers live, work and play. Like the Hometown Heroes, the High School Heroes generously give of their time and abilities to improve their communities.
Thomas, the daughter of Lee and Marianne Thomas of Westfield, will be attending the University of Maine at Orono in the fall where she will major in journalism.
