| Published May 24th, 2023 | National Charity League, Acalanes Chapter celebrates graduating 2023 seniors | | Submitted by Lynn Spiegel | | Back row, from left: Lucy Gellman, Kristin Parker, Reagan Kaelle, Tess Gundacker, Hailey Hiatt, Haley Rurka, Samantha Brouhard, Phoebe Hughes, Ava Jacuzzi, Sophia Awad, Kathryn Ishizu, Fiona Hughes; middle row: Emma Verprauskus, Ava Spiegel, Courtney Mercer, Charis Woo, Sophie Westen, Siena Espopa, Kelsey Severson; front row: Emily Floyd, Claire Wood, Gabriela Benveniste, Alexandra Yu, Gracyn Roake, Ella Robinson Photo Juleen Lapporte | During the Senior Recognition ceremony on March 4 at Contra Costa Country Club, the 26 girls of the Acalanes Chapter of the National Charity League's Senior Class were celebrated for their philanthropy work over the past six years. The Ticktockers, as they are referred to, were dressed in formal white gowns and presented their experiences to their families and loved ones. Following the formal dinner, the group enjoyed a high-energy dance party, complete with a DJ, candy bar, and balloons. Despite the inclement weather, all attendees had a great time.
The Acalanes chapter, which consists of members from Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga, recruits girls in seventh grade and assigns them to volunteer at various organizations throughout the area, including the Contra Costa Food Bank, Monument Crisis Center, Lamorinda Village, Shelter Inc., Bay Area Rescue Mission, Operation Dignity, Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Oakland Zoo, Special Olympics NorCal, and many others. The NCL Acalanes Chapter has accumulated over 9,182 hours of service.
For their Senior Project, the class completely revamped and furnished several rooms in Grateful Gatherings, which helps parents and their children transition from homelessness into housing, promoting family unity. These young women will carry their leadership skills, community involvement, and cultural experiences with them as they embark on their college journeys. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |