Leadership. Scholarship. Character. Service. The four pillars of the National Honor Society. Some of Bishop Noll’s NHS members exemplified the fourth quality, service, on Saturday, May 4, as they volunteered at the annual Special Olympics Area 7 Spring Games at Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois.
For eight hours nineteen NHS members helped run sports and games such as a softball toss for almost 700 participants. “The Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities,” says Tommy Abbott, a senior who helped organize the student volunteers.
At the end of the day, the participants won ribbons and medals for their efforts. “It’s a really good feeling when you cheer for them and you can just see the excitement on their face,” says Caitlan Pawlowski, sophomore.
“My family and I have been volunteers for the last six years,” says Abbott. “It is a service opportunity that truly made a positive impact in the lives of the athletes and their families as well as NHS volunteers.”
Pawlowski agrees. “I had so much fun and I look forward to doing it again!” she says.