By Akers Editorial
OUTSTANDING STUDENT: Cadi Schwartz
Age: 13 // Seventh grader at Carver Middle School
After turning 13, I celebrated bat mitzvah, a coming-of-age ceremony where Jewish girls are responsible for observing the commandments and assuming religious responsibilities.
Because I like sports, I decided my bat mitzvah community project would focus on helping the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties. I wanted to purchase new equipment for the club and asked Freddy Williams, the chief executive officer, what specific items were needed.
I made up fliers and asked for donations. I received $200. My mom and I went shopping at Target and Wal-Mart and purchased bats, hula hoops, volleyball nets and jump ropes. I also asked people to donate equipment and received eight basketballs, five tennis rackets, golf clubs, unused baseball pants and football helmets.
I delivered the items on Sept. 12 after school. You should have seen the looks on the children’s faces. It was like Christmastime in September. This was my first community project and it made me feel like I had a real purpose in serving this community.
Volunteering is important, and I would tell other children to use their time and skills to help others who are not as fortunate.
The best advice I ever received came from my father. When I was 5, he told me, “Life is defined by the commitments we make and the integrity that we have to keep those commitments.” That has stuck with me all these years.
I am a diehard sports fan. I love the Florida Gators and Baltimore Orioles. I scream at the television set when I’m watching baseball. My favorite player on the Orioles is Ryan Flaherty. He has played first base, second base, third base and shortstop. I think it’s neat that he is a utility player and so versatile.
My goal after high school is to attend the University of Florida and major in journalism. I want to become a sports commentator.
One of my favorite moments as a fan was watching the Orioles play the Rays at Tropicana Field. On that day, I saw an inside-the-park home run, a stolen base, an infield fly rule, a triple and a home run by Nelson Cruz. That was an awesome birthday present!
[notification type=”alert-success” close=”false” ]Fun Facts
Cadi maintains a 4.0 grade-point average.
Cadi is taking all advanced classes and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the yearbook staff and the school’s VEX robotics team.[/notification]
