Kendall Ohrwashel recognized for her efforts to help area kids fighting cancer

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

At a glance Kendall Ohrwashel seems to be just a very involved student at Nazareth Area High School. The 17-year-old junior is a member of her school's National Honor Society, yearbook and swim team. But she's not just a very involved student, she is also a nationally recognized role model.
Over the past four years, Ohrwashel, with the help of her family, has donated more than $18,000 to the Make a Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania through her gently used book sales and other fund-raising events. The money raised has stayed in the area to grant wishes for four local children fighting cancer.

"When I was in the fourth grade, I had rheumatic fever... it could have turned into a life-threatening illness, but it didn't because we treated it on time. So we decided to do something for other children with life- threatening illnesses like the Make a Wish children," Ohrwashel says of what inspired her in 2007 to help others.
Most recently, she was a finalist in the Build-a-Bear "Huggable Heroes national scholarship award, earning a spot in the contest's top 25. Out of more than 1,200 applicants, Ohrwashel was recognized for her dedication and drive. The award is in honor of Nikki Giampolo, a young girl who loved life, children and teddy bears, according to a press release from Build-a-Bear. She shared that love by giving bears to all those around her, including her doctors. In 2002, at 15, Nikki lost her life to cancer. Ohrwashel says it's an honor even to be nominated for an award that is so close to her own cause.


The idea behind her book sale fundraisers is simple. Ohrwashel and her family collect books from anyone who will donate, organize the books in their garage, advertise the sales and sell the books for only 50 cents to $1.

"She's extraordinary and truly a rare individual. You don't find children with such incredible values these days," says Marisa Salm, regional manager of the Make a Wish Foundation of Greater PA. "We do not have anyone who does as much (for Make a Wish) as her and her family."

That distinctiveness has been recognized by many groups. She has been selected three times as one of 10 students recognized by the annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. In 2009, Ohrwashel and the other students were invited to Harrisburg to sit in on a Senate meeting and meet the state senators and their local representatives.

Ohrwashel and her younger brother have also been recognized by Nazareth's Patch on Patch.com as "Whiz Kids", a contest that honors local children who have amazing accomplishments. "We're always inspiring each other, we motivate each other," Ohrwashel says of her family's involvement."

"I just think because they felt the difference it made in people's lives, that's why they continue doing it and because we all got involved in it (as a family)," says Ohrwashel's mother, Monique.


Express-Times Photo | MATT SMITHKendall Ohrwashel, a finalist for the Build-a-Bear Huggable Heroes scholarship award, accepts donations during an event involving more than 700 Nazareth Area Middle School students attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most people whistling simultaneously at a single venue Friday afternoon at Andrew Leh Stadium.
That personal satisfaction that continues to encourage Ohrwashel.


"Even in college I plan to come back during the summer to continue the book sales," she says of her dedication to the project.


While most kids want to spend their summers at the beach having fun, Ohrwashel says, "that doesn't compare to what it means to help out and help others." She plans to pursue a degree in education in hopes of becoming a school guidance counselor.


"You hear a lot of negative things about what teens aren't doing right. Kendall just goes to show you that there are still bright spots," says Ohrwashel's principal, Alan Davis, who had previously nominated her for several awards. "What sets her apart is her willingness and desire to do something for those who are less-fortunate... I wouldn't be surprised to one day be reading about the great things she's still doing."

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•The Ohrwashel Family is hosting their 5th summer book sale later this month at at 143 First St. in Nazareth.

•The sale will be held 5 to 8 p.m. June 23 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24 and 25.
•All proceeds will go toward granting the wish of Abigail, 4, of Bethlehem who is battling leukemia. Abigail wishes to go to Disney World.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/events/index.ssf/2011/06/kendall_ohrwashel_reconized_fo.html