Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 50
Value of Time Served: $423
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Cross Country Running
Date: November 19, 2023
Location:
Norwell High School
South Street, Norwell
MA
About:
In the heartwarming journey of a young boy with a heart full of compassion, the story begins when he was just 13 years old. Although it might seem like a distant memory, it was back in 2019 when the New England Patriots were in the Super Bowl – a year etched in the minds of many football enthusiasts. This young boy’s story of kindness and generosity has come a long way since then, and it all started with a simple act of spreading cheer during the holiday season.
You can read the full article that provides the context of this inspiring journey here: Link to Article
Fast forward to his senior year, a young man named Thomas found himself with a heartwarming plan. As a member of the NHS XC team, he set his sights on the All State Championship Meet. Thomas had worked hard over the summer and decided to put some of his earnings to a noble cause. He made a heartwarming decision to donate a dozen Build-a-Bear teddy bears to children who would be at South Shore Hospital during the same weekend he had the privilege of competing at Ft. Devens.
Thomas’s motivation was simple yet profound – he wanted to ensure that young patients and their families knew that someone else cared about the challenges they were facing. It was a gesture aimed at bringing a glimmer of joy to the children’s hospital experience.
What made Thomas’s act of kindness even more remarkable was the serendipitous timing. His donation of XC Bears coincided with a significant chapter in his own life. Eighteen years ago, he spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at South Shore Hospital. It was during this time of vulnerability and support that he experienced firsthand the care and compassion that the hospital staff provided. It was only fitting that Thomas chose to donate the bears to NICU babies, a touching gesture that carried personal significance.
Thomas’s journey from a Christmas money gift to this heartwarming donation at the All-State Championship Meet is a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring impact of a single act of kindness. It serves as a reminder that small gestures of generosity can ripple through time and touch the lives of those who need it most.
As we celebrate stories like Thomas’s, we are reminded of the immense potential for positive change that lies within each of us. His example encourages us all to look for opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small, in the lives of others. In doing so, we can create a world filled with compassion, one act of kindness at a time.
“Since my first year of high school, I have been a member of Student Government, which has allowed me to give back to Norwell High School and the community. As a Student Government member, I have been involved in numerous committees, events, and been able to showcase school spirit and pride. Student Government has also allowed me to work with my peers on fun events that makes NHS a more welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone. This year I have taken the initiative to be the student representative on Norwell High School’s school council and was elected by the council to be the Vice Chairman working with Mr. Bender. As a leader and a committee member, my role with my fellow council members is to listen to and provide a voice for all staff, students, and parents to find the best possible solutions and improvements for the school. As a school representative, I have made a difference by resolving our school’s problems and improving my fellow students’ high school experience. Often the role requires us to be representatives for our school during challenging times. When controversies occur at Norwell High School it is our job to formulate a proper and considerate response that will educate the student body and hopefully prevent future incidents from occurring. The primary goal for myself and the committee is to make improvements to the aligned curriculum, students’ social, emotional, and health needs, and the relationship between family – school engagement. Together as a committee, we hope to enact change for the high school for the better and create a positive environment for students to thrive and learn. Student Government has provided me with several ways to serve others, and by joining the school improvement council, I have had the opportunity to both serve and represent the school. My involvement in student government has allowed me to be more involved in both the NHS student body and more broadly in the Norwell community. By contributing my time, effort, and voice to represent our school, I feel that my efforts can bring about positive change in an ever-evolving community. ” — Thomas Corbett
