On March 19, three Whitman students, seniors Cassie Walters and Kari Berkas and sophomore Paige Roberts, were honored as Hometown Heroes by the American Red Cross for their volunteer work done in the community.   The awards were given out at the Third Annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast, which, according to the Red Cross’s Web site, honors “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

All three students were nominated for the award by coordinator of the Center for Community Service Lina Menard.
“I think these students have made great contributions to the Walla Walla community and I am thankful that the Red Cross has decided to honor them,” said Menard.

Unfortunately, Roberts, who is currently taking a semester off, was unable to attend the event. However, both Walters and Berkas were present among nine other community members also being recognized.

Walters, an intern for the Center for Community Service, was honored for her two years of service to Walla Walla youth through coordination of the Whitman Mentor Program. Under Walters’ leadership the program has increased to 150 Whitman student mentors, and the program was able to meet the demand of mentors.

“When I found out that I was a Hometown Hero, I was very flattered. I have immensely enjoyed my time running the Whitman Mentor Program, and I’ve put a lot into the program,” said Walters.   “To see that recognized by the community is exciting and validating.”

Walters, who is described by her friends as incredibly earnest, has had a lasting impact on the community.

“Cassie is one of the most thoughtful, hardworking people I’ve ever met,” said Walters’ friend and senior Lauren Hoover-Gordon.   “She is loyal to her friends, family and all of her commitments, and she throws herself into everything she does.”

Walters recognizes her parents for inspiring her to get involved with volunteer work and be an active member in the community.

“Cassie was brought up by two parents who have devoted their lives to helping others and to serving their communities, so it comes as no surprise that Cassie embodies these values as well,” said Hoover-Gordon.

Berkas was recognized for her contributions to Walla Walla through the creation of Whitman’s Volunteer Club and the Lincoln Tutors Program.

“I was very surprised when I learned I received the award,” said Berkas.   “I felt very honored that somebody appreciates what I do, especially because community service is a natural part of my life and I never expected an award for it.”

She, too, is an intern for the Center for Community Service, as well as having served as resident assistant of the Community Service House, among other things.   Berkas views the work she does as an integral part of her life: not only as a way to help her fulfill her goals of becoming a teacher, but also to open her mind.

“It is important to me to find ways to step outside of my comfort zone, and community service is full of opportunities to do so,” said Berkas.   “It has been enlightening to see different parts of town and talk with community members who have different experiences than most Whitman students.”

HongNgoc Pham, Berkas’ friend, echoed the importance of community service work to Berkas, saying, “It’s important to Kari to be able to make a difference and to make the world better any way she can, on the small personal scale and on the bigger organizational scale.”

Roberts was honored for her creation of a program that collects extra food from Whitman’s Bon Appetít food service and delivers it to the Walla Walla Senior Center where it is used to create hot meals for seniors.

“Doing this work has shown me that you can make a positive difference in the community by simple gifts of your time,” said Roberts.   “I didn’t believe that I deserved this kind of recognition.”