Pictured Left to Right: Maggie Schields (guest speaker), Lauren Kalin (HBE 6th grade student), Ariyana Brock (ASK 6th grade student), Rachel Duryea (PJHS Senior) and Killian Case (PJMS 8th grade student)
Lauren Kalin (HBE Recipient) Lauren is a dedicated 6th-grade student. She is the daughter of two very proud parents, TJ and Gail Kalin and older sister to Emily. Lauren’s favorite subjects in school are math and ELA. Lauren’s hobbies include riding quads, reading, and playing outside. Lauren hopes to become a teacher one day!
Lauren was selected to receive the award based on her volunteer work, commitment to school, extracurricular activities, and outstanding community service record. Regarding volunteering and service to her community and school, Lauren states: “I love doing things for my community! When helping out with the community and doing extra activities for school, it makes me feel like a good person and that I am reliable. I enjoy putting others and the community first!”
Ariyana Brock (ASK Recipient) Ariyana is a 6th Grade Student at ASK Elementary School. She is a Classroom Representative for the 6th Grade Student Council; she is in chorus; and participated in Girls on the Run and Odyssey of the Mind. Throughout her career at ASK, she has received many positive awards such as Special Area Student of the Month; Bucket Filler and Stand Upper of the Month; Doing Things the Right Way; and the Character Education Trait Award. Ariyana’s favorite subject in school is math and was inspired by Mrs. Bartsch, her 4th-grade teacher, to one day become a teacher herself.
In the community, Ariyana is a member of St. Mary’s Church where she attends CCD classes and helps out the younger students at CCD. She also volunteers at a variety of church activities such as the community suppers and food pantries.
In her spare time, Ariyana likes to watch YouTube videos and jump on her trampoline.
Rachel Duryea (PJHS Recipient) Rachel is the daughter of Tanya and Steven Duryea and has one sibling, Katherine. Rachel
is extremely active in school and the community. She has participated in varsity girls' soccer (2020-2023) and varsity girls' softball (2020-2023), as well as the Tri-State Angels Fastpitch Softball (2016-2023). During her four years in high school, Rachel was a member of these clubs: Honor Society, Varsity Club, Youth in Government, Rotary/Interact Club, and Athletes Helping Athletes. Rachel has also been involved in numerous activities such as PJ Recreation Student Ambassador, National Honor Society, Brandwein Summer Science Camp Volunteer Youth Camp Counselor, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, PJ Elks Club Operation Christmas Wrap Volunteer, Delaware River Run, Church Street Easter Egg Dash, Nicholas Moscatiello Scholarship Fundraiser Volunteer, BPW Club Tricky Tray, and the Interact Club. Rachel stated, “Through my community service, I have learned many valuable life lessons and acquired treasured memories. It is genuinely rewarding to be a part of bettering my community and in turn the world around me. Through the many service opportunities I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and life experience that I will carry with me to college and beyond.” Rachel’s perspective on community, school, and volunteering makes her a perfect recipient for the Theodore Kuykendall Community Service Award.
Killian Case (Middle School Recipient) Killian is the son of Donnarose and Ryan Case. He has been an honor roll student for two years at PJMS. Killian is involved in several school activities (summer academy, digital marketing, varsity tennis, and the history walking tour of PJ). He is a member of the following PJMS clubs: newspaper, video, lego, gaming, ski, art, and outdoor education.
Killian has volunteered in the community by delivering Sunday School cookies and Christmas cards to a nursing home, Magagkamack Cemetery clean up, and trash clean up through the church. He donates his own money to the Humane Society. Killian is a beacon of hope for others and is an outstanding representative of Port Pride!