The John H. Crowder Award was presented to a senior at Forest Hills High School during the Oct. 6 Board of Education meeting. Students who receive this award are academically successful and have an established history of community service.

Tessa Stewart has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities during her high school years. This includes, but is not limited to, Operation Christmas Child, Operation Angel Tree, and helping at the Thomas Rodgers Ministries Food Pantry.

Tessa is a member of BETA, Student Council and Art Club. She has had the chance to take on leadership roles during her community service, which has allowed her to plan and execute a number of services and community projects.

When asked about her leadership experience, Tessa shared, “Community service has taught me that a true leader is someone who strives for action and holds both themselves and others accountable for commitments made no matter the circumstances. In my junior year, I served as the vice president of the Art Club, the homeroom representative for the Student Council and a member of BETA. As a senior, I am now serving as the senior class vice president of the Student Council, President of the Art Club and running for a higher position in BETA.”

Not only is Tessa involved in school service projects, but she also volunteers at non-profit kids’ day events, where she gives out temporary tattoos and packaged toys to children at Toys for Tots in Charlotte. She volunteers with the Special Olympics, where she has helped host games and serve lunch each year. Since eighth grade, Tessa has made it a habit to visit Samaritan's Purse to prepare shoeboxes for children all around the world. Tessa said she will carry on the practice of volunteering at Samaritan's Purse for the rest of her life in order to "continue to pass the good forward."

Tessa is also a member of the first cohort of Wayfind scholars and plans to attend Wingate University.

10/06/2022