Claire Marsh receives Lisa Brinkman Award at Klager Elementary

Fourth-grader Claire Marsh was named as the recipient of the Lisa Brinkman Award by Principal Karin Villarreal on the last day of school.

Fourth grader Claire Marsh was named the 2016 Lisa Brinkman Award winner at Klager Elementary School for her outstanding volunteerism. The Lisa Brinkman Award is the highest recognition given to any Klager Elementary student during their five years at the school.

Each year, this special award, a $100 scholarship in the form of a U.S. Savings Bond, is granted to a fourth-grade pupil who demonstrates outstanding volunteer achievement and community involvement. The award is presented in memory of Lisa Brinkman, who was an exemplary parent volunteer during her three sons' years at Klager Elementary School. Lisa's example of giving has been honored each year since her passing, via this scholarship.

Fourth graders are invited to apply for the Lisa Brinkman Award by writing an essay outlining their volunteer service, commitment to the Manchester Community, and the ways they help their fellow pupils.

Claire's essay this year included that she has been in Girl Scouts for five years and is especially proud of helping at the humane society, both with Girl Scouts and also on her own. She has made toys and donated pet food to the Humane Society of Huron Valley to show her commitment to this important project.

She also was a member of the K-Kids, and used some of her own money to buy things for the Jared boxes as well as donate some old toys. She has had several leadership jobs at Klager such as announcer and kindergarten helper. She also helped with donating to families in need during the Christmas season.

Claire also included in her essay that she loves her community and wants to help more in the future. According to her mother, Katie Marsh, "This summer she plans to make pet toys to sell at the Farmers Market and donate the money to needy animals."

Congratulations to Claire on her many accomplishments and for this special recognition.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.