Emilie Weisser, a Yankton High School sophomore, has been a dedicated volunteer for quite a few years. She is very involved in church activities and lends a hand when needed. She has helped her mother teach second grade level Sunday school. Emilie has been involved in "Operation Christmas Child," which is a church project that sends Christmas cheer to children overseas, for the last five years. She has also helped with the community based Greater Yankton Gifts for the last four years; she really enjoyed shopping for the children and wrapping the gifts.

For the past two years, she has participated in Reading Night with Head Start children which involves reading stories, doing activities, and eating supper. The children get to take home the project they make that evening along with the book that was read.

Emilie volunteered this past summer at the community banquet every Thursday evening helping out where needed. She plans on helping out with this in summer's to come. She enjoyed visiting with the guests and made some new friends. She has given the United Way and Volunteer Services a hand with mass mailings.

Emilie also volunteers at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. She receives assignments as needed such as making charts by putting the paperwork together in the Emergency Department. On the Medical and Surgical floors she organizes supply closets, prepares patient rooms with necessary items, and also delivers flowers. She has an added interest in this position as she is considering a career in medical research. She has participated in Science Olympiad medical events since 7th Grade, and has gone to Nationals twice.

Adopt a Grandparent, a Yankton High School Student Council project, brings Emilie happiness by bringing happiness to a resident of Majestic Bluffs Independent Living. She visits with her "grandparent" about the week's activities, crafts in progress, as well as her family. Emilie likes getting to know her and seeing how she can make a difference in her "grandparent's" life, and this is one of Emilie's favorite experiences.

Article Written by Volunteer Erika Carr