Students in the Scarlet Oaks sports rehabilitation therapy program filed into the classroom, thinking they were about to hear instructions about an upcoming field trip.  When they saw the visitors, cameras, balloons, and a cake, they knew something was up.  “Elizabeth Papia, please come forward,” said Scarlet Oaks Dean Julie Woodward.

Elizabeth, a junior from St. Bernard, had been named one of the Ohio winners of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

Five years ago Elizabeth saw that there was no Brownie troop in St. Bernard.  As younger girls asked her about her experiences in Girl Scouting, Elizabeth knew that her neighbors would benefit from being a part of the organization and so she started a troop.  She spent more than a hundred hours each year planning, holding meetings, and serving as a role model for younger students.  “I loved being involved, and wanted to help,” she said.

Her involvement has had a lasting impact; one of her early Brownies is now involved in leadership activities as well.  “It’s neat to see them grow up,” she said.

Leading Girl Scouts isn’t her only volunteer effort.  She has also tutored and is involved in other community activities. 

Elizabeth plans to become a sports rehabilitation therapist, and although there’s a great deal of work ahead for her, the same persistence that she showed in starting and running a Brownie troop comes through in her attitude toward education.  “It’ll take seven or eight years, but it’ll be worth it,” she said.  “I love helping people.”

Mrs. Woodward presented Elizabeth with the award and a letter from President George W. Bush, and her classmates clapped and cheered—proving once again that Elizabeth Papia is a role model for others.