Speech of Laura McNeill
Good evening. Tonight is very special for me. When I signed up for several community service groups and leadership positions with The Lubavitch of Bucks County, I didn’t do it for recognition or anything along those lines. I did it because the feeling I got out of being a part of such a strong community. Therefore, I am honored to receive this year’s Lubavitch of Bucks County Youth Award.
Years ago, when my family joined the Lubavitch, I began a journey with other kids my age learning the teachings and traditions of Judaism. Our learning was not limited to studying torah or memorizing Jewish history. Our education went beyond books; we learned by doing. Volunteerism and community service became the cornerstone of our education. This enjoyable experience touched a lot of people in need on a personal level.
Starting in sixth grade, through the Bat Mitzvah Club, my friends and I visited nursing homes to give manicures to several of the elderly women residents. While I’m sure none of us found our vocation, I know these women enjoyed the special one-on-one time.
I also volunteered with my elementary school classmates. On a weekly basis, we would go to a preschool in inner city Trenton, where we played with the children, encouraged learning and, most of all, showed the children our love. I know we impacted their lives.
My most special experience was last year with Rabbi Shemtov’s Friendship Circle. I was assigned to visit a boy named Evan on a weekly basis for the entire school year. Evan is a special child with special needs who need companionship. Evan has Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. Due to his condition, he is home schooled and has very limited contact with others.
Every Wednesday after school, a fellow youth member, Sammy Applebaum, and I would visit Evan and play board games, tell stories or take walks. This became the highlight of Evan’s week. One time during a snowstorm, businesses and schools were closed and our visit was cancelled. Evan became very distraught over us not meeting that day. Rabbi Shemtov saved the day; he picked us up and we all went to Evan’s house.
Today, I’m a freshman at Blair Academy. The school has a small Jewish student and faculty population, and, at first, I felt different and sometimes didn’t fit in. Now, the other Jewish students and I are starting a Jewish youth group on campus. We hope to do community volunteer work and educate our fellow classmates on the traditions of Judaism. Education and giving builds bridges of tolerance and acceptance.
My family has always taught me to live the golden rule and helped me to build a strong moral foundation. The Lubavitch has given me spiritual guidance and a stronger belief in Judaism. Volunteerism is not a class with a grade or used as a stepping-stone to attain recognition.
I’m not perfect or anywhere near that. I am a regular 14-year-old girl who loves to hang out with her friends and go shopping. But, the feeling of being a part of this community is much better then the feeling you get when you buy a new shirt.
What you do with your time and with whom you spend it shape your personality. The fact that I can spend a lot of my time with the loving people of Lubavitch and have had exposure to so many different things has shaped my personality. I feel that all the good parts about who I am and what I do is thanks to them and my family. They always supported me, as well as what I have done — pushing me to do more. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if it wasn’t for them.
Thank you to Rabbi Shemtov and Miriam, Rabbi Weinstein and Rosie and all of my teachers. Thanks to my parents, my brother and sister, and to my grandparents. And thanks to all of you for this special recognition.