Lauren Schad had plenty to keep her busy while attending the University of San Diego on a volleyball scholarship, but that didn’t stop her from giving back to her community.
Schad, a graduate of Rapid City Central High School, was awarded the Father Owen Mullen Community Service Award last month during the Celebration of Excellence for student athletes.
Her parents are Ralph and Laura Schad. According to the University of San Diego and information from Laura Schad, Lauren Schad and two other student-athletes were nominated by the University of San Diego’s athletics administration for their commitment to community service.
The award recognizes and honors student-athletes who make significant contributions to the community through community service and volunteering.
Laura Schad said Lauren was selected for the award because she continually goes the extra mile to help others.
She graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, and last week announced she will play volleyball professionally in France, with the Volleyball Club Chamalieres.
Also an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Schad has reached out to Native American communities wherever she goes, at home and in San Diego. Laura Schad said that outreach includes speaking to middle school girls and coaches in Arizona and at North Middle School in Rapid City, as well as hosting youths for games and celebrations.
Schad has also held volleyball camps for Todd County middle and high schools on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and planned to do so again this summer on the Rosebud and Cheyenne River reservations.
Veteran caregiver named June ‘Hidden Hero’
Jennifer Kellsy has been recognized as Rapid City’s Hidden Hero of the Month for June, according to a release from the city.
For 13 years, Kellsy has been a military spouse and a stay-at-home mother to sons Patrick and Ethan. For the past five years, she has taken on the role of veteran caregiver to her husband, Sgt. John Kellsy III, a U.S. Army veteran.
The Hidden Hero of the Month recognition is made by the city in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the VA Black Hills Caregiver Support Office. The honor recognizes veteran caregivers for their dedication, compassion and sacrifice.
Kellsy was feted during the June 19 city council meeting.
“We heartily thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country, and their spouses deserve thanks for their sacrifices during the veteran’s service time,” Mayor Steve Allender said in a release. “Many of those spouses provide a special service and sacrifice even more after their soldier returns home with injuries incurred in the line of duty. It is the spouse that must take on the new challenges posed by the nightmares and aftermath of war experiences when the veteran returns.”
Source: http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/gooddeeds/our-good-deeds-student-athlete-praised-for-volunteer-efforts/article_b6cb8119-bbb5-5748-af9b-0639c6d9b03b.html