Monroe teen wins president’s volunteer award
By Robbie Schwartz
The Walton Tribune
Published November 25, 2007

MONROE — In the age of video games, the Internet and cable TV, the likelihood of getting a teenager off the couch or out of their room is almost non-existent.

But groups like the Youth Advocacy Board brandish light in the time of darkness when it comes to motivating young minds, and one member in particular — Jessica Leach, a freshman at Monroe Area High School — shines brighter.

Tuesday morning, Leach was presented with the President’s Volunteer Gold Level Service Award, recognition which does not come lightly.

“Volunteerism at any age is phenomenal,” said Melinda Quinn, coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth, who helped present the award to Leach. “It is important to the development of these young people. They are being pulled in so many different directions. And for Jessica, caring for others is a way of life.”

In 2003, President George W. Bush created the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to help recognize the much-needed contributions volunteers make, bringing together business, entertainment, sports, education, government, non-profit and other leaders to weigh in on the accolade. The awards bestowed thanks and honor demonstrated commitment and action which inspires others — which easily describes Leach.

The young Monroe resident’s resumé is already established with a multitude of activities, which includes the Girl Scouts, the American Red Cross, sewing pillows for children in Somoa, collecting items and assembling more than 200 comfort kits for Hurricane Katrina victims and more.

Perhaps what sealed the deal for Leach to be thrown into the limelight followed a book sale by The Partnership. With hundreds of books left over, The Partnership agreed the books could be donated to various organizations throughout the county to help promote literacy, rather than stuffed in a box for storage.

Calls were made and hours spent sorting the variety of books, placed in boxes marked for each group which would benefit from each genre. Great Oaks Retirement Home asked for romance novels; the fire department requested action and adventure books. Many requests were made for children’s books, but those were few and far between in what was left over after the sale.

Leach took it upon herself to collect more books, creating a flyer for “gently used” children’s books from the 200 homes in the subdivision her family lives in, Woodlake. The residents stepped up to support the efforts of Leach, and through her initiative and their generosity, more than 500 books were collected. This afforded places such as the Boys & Girls Club the benefit.

“On behalf of the 600 kids of the Boys & Girls Club, thank you,” said Michelle Unchuan, executive director of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club. “We only survive on efforts of the community, and Jessica is one of the fine individuals in Walton County. She is one of those people who will have a big impact in life.”

For Leach, the reward came when she saw how much the children and other members of the community appreciated the books when they were delivered.

“Caring for others is a way of life, it’s what you do every day that can make a difference,” Leach said. “If you are having a bad day, do something kind for someone else — no strings attached, no expectations — that is the pure love of Christ. It will always make you feel better.”

Since the inception of the award in 2004, only 4,011 residents in the state have received any of the awards offered — which includes adults and youth across four different levels of recognition. To reach the gold level, Leach had to accumulate more than 100 hours of volunteer service.

After Walton County Board of Commissioners Chairmen Kevin Little presented Leach with her accolade, and Georgia Rep. Len Walker (R-107) gave the youngster a pin recognizing her effort, the humble youth took the podium, uncomfortable with all of the attention.

“Knowledge matters,” Leach nervously said. “When young people get involved, their knowledge of the world around them increases.”

After paying homage to her grandfather, a role model for Leach who in his own right was recognized for his efforts in a community in Florida by having a school named after him, the Monroe Area student joined her family and friends who were in attendance.

With her YAB friends by her side, Leach and others continue to better Walton County. And a grateful community took the time to thank a young leader for her efforts.