Montini Catholic High School in Lombard is proud to announce junior Hailey Goetz (from Lombard) as their October Student of the Month. Hailey is being recognized for her 'can do' attitude and Lasallian 'zeal' for taking initiative and being an integral force in leading Montini Catholic's Peer Ministry team through one of their most successful charity drives, the Soles4Souls Shoe Drive. She is proof that one person truly can make a difference!
Basically, one afternoon cleaning out her mudroom led to a little curiosity and a lot of initiative to do good for others. After her mom donated their shoes to the Salvation Army, Hailey decided to find out how she could help others by providing much needed shoes. She began researching different organizations and settled on Soles4Souls, a not-for-profit organization that collects shoes to either donate to people in need or repurpose.
“I took my idea to our core Peer Ministry team and got final approval from Principal (Kevin) Beirne,” Hailey explained. “Beyond that it was simple – I contacted the organization to determine the specifications. Then, our great group of people – Ms Miller, and the Peer Ministry team made it happen! “I had hoped it would be successful, but had no idea it would take on the life that it did.” “As a high schooler, I don’t have any money so I like to find other ways I can contribute. This was a great way to make use of old shoes. Instead of taking up space or going to landfills, they will go to someone who needs them and can use the money saved to take care of their family.”
The St. Pius X graduate is constantly on the search for ways to donate her time. She finds working with the Special Olympics extremely fulfilling. “I have 2 uncles and an aunt who are athletes involved in Special Olympics. When I was in grade school, we had an event, Food Wars, and we were able to donate the profits from our food booth to Special Olympics of Illinois.” “I really like to find volunteer opportunities that I can fit into my schedule.”
She is currently tutoring a student from Ukraine over Zoom. “I do this every Sunday morning. He has a general understanding of English so I help him improve so one day he could possibly move or travel here.” In addition to being a member of Peer Ministry’s Core Team, Hailey is also a member of the Volleyball Team (and club volleyball), Student Government (executive board), Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society and Math Team.
“Becoming a Peer Minister has changed me in a very positive way. I get to do a lot of volunteer work and I get to help others with their faith journey. This is very important to me because I am big on religion and being a follower of God. The thing I like most is helping the community with my fellow classmates. This truly makes me feel like I am making an impact on others and it’s always fun to do these sorts of things with your friends.”
“My mom (Jill) inspires me to help others. She does so much for others. She will go out of her way to make anyone's day better and to help others. She makes everything possible for me and she really inspires me to help others.” “Hailey did a phenomenal job initiating the shoe drive,” said Assistant Campus Minister, Katie Miller. “She demonstrated incredible leadership and care for others throughout the entire process and was instrumental in making this awesome event happen. It was so wonderful to see our school community respond so well to the drive with 3,000 pairs donated!”
“The shoe drive would not have been the success it was without the buy-in of all my fellow peer ministers,” adds Hailey. “I proposed the idea and everyone ran with it. From printing and posting flyers, collecting, counting and rubber banding shoes, we spent countless hours together to make this a success.”
"We are so proud of Hailey and in awe when any of our students take the selfless initiative to do for others," said President Jim Segredo. "This honor is well deserved - we know she will continue to do great things here at school and within her community."
Above: Hailey with Assistant Principal of Student Services, Mr. Chris Tirittilli
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