Fragrant flowers and twinkling lights greeted young ladies in white ball gowns escorted by their tuxedoed dads with friends and family members looking on. Above the stage was a backdrop of a luminous moon, representing the theme chosen by the Class of 2013 for the National Charity League, Inc.’s 62nd Annual Senior Presentation “Dancing in the Moonlight.”
As each of the 27 Ticktockers was introduced and completed the promenade around the ballroom of the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa in Pasadena, a long list of accomplishments and service to the community was read by emcee Debbie Cox, immediate past president of NCL-Glendale chapter. These young women had not only earned top grades and excelled at athletics and other extracurricular activities, but over the last six years they helped to make an impact on the community through service to chapter philanthropies such as Twelve Oaks Retirement Lodge, Salvation Army, Ascencia, Special Olympics, YWCA of Glendale, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and others.
Since entering the chapter as seventh graders, this year’s group of graduating Ticktockers completed a staggering total of 8,586 service hours.
“These young ladies have developed a sense of benevolence and compassion for people in need and have acquired the leadership skills necessary to make a difference in our community today and in the future,” said Cynthia Bengtson Budzyn, chapter president. The vision of NCL is that through mother-daughter relationships, strong women leaders will emerge who will maintain as a priority the goal of impacting and serving their communities.
Two young ladies were selected for special recognition – Amber Zadravecz received the Golden Oak Leaf Award, presented to the Ticktocker who during her six years served the most volunteer hours at the Chapter’s primary philanthropy, Twelve Oaks Retirement Lodge. Zadravecz served 627 hours at Twelve Oaks since seventh grade.
Rebecca Weitzel received the Senior Achievement Award, presented to the Ticktocker who completed the most service hours at all of the chapter’s philanthropies. Weitzel, whose philanthropy hours totaled 1,302, credits her mother, Shelley Weitzel as the inspiration for her passion for helping others.
Submitted by Janet LAZIER