July 14, 2009
Notre Dame, Ind – Thanks to the generosity of two-time monogram winner Dave Bossy (`77 hockey), the Monogram Club has been able to team with the Center for Social Concerns to provide financial assistance for student-athletes who volunteer to work in summer service projects through the Dave Bossy Scholarship Grant.
Four current student-athletes – Charlie Nejedly (student manager), Lindsey Ferguson (track), Spencer Carter (cross country & track and field), and Beth Tacl (track) are this summer’s recipients of the Dave Bossy Scholarship Grant. Tacl is a two-time beneficiary of the grant.
Nejedly, a philosophy major from Diablo, Calif. is spending his summer volunteering at the Elizabeth House in Oakland. The Elizabeth House is a place for women with children to go as they transition after experiencing some sort of domestic violence, drug addiction or homelessness.
A majority of his time has been spent working with children ages two to nine. Nejedly assist the youngsters with art projects, reads to them and plays games with them outside.
“I can tell the children really enjoy having an older friend like me to play with everyday.” Nejedly says, “I could not imagine a more challenging yet rewarding summer experience.”
Ferguson, a senior majoring in psychology from Greenfield Center, N.Y, is spending her summer volunteering with the Bridge Project in Denver. The project offers children opportunities to participate in daily literacy activities, outdoor education programs and a technology course.
The theme of this summer’s project is “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” due to the rising obesity rate among those living at or below the poverty line. The children there are learning about easy and affordable ways to develop healthy eating habits.
“This experience has helped me discover what I want to do with the rest of my life, which is to be an educator to those living in poverty.” Ferguson says.
Carter, a junior majoring in science-business from Boise, Idaho is working this summer with Missoula Youth Homes in Missoula, Montana.
During his six-week experience, Carter is working with the Inner-Roads program. The program offers wilderness therapy that is designed to help kids facing a variety of issues which includes improving their lives and relationships with their parents and peers.
“In the short time I have been here, it has been really fun to watch the progression of the kids.” Carter says, “They are incredible and it is been amazing to be a part of the staff working with them.”
Tacl, a senior majoring in pre-professional studies and philosophy, is volunteering this summer in San Diego, Calif. with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts.
Last summer, Tacl volunteered along with fellow Bossy Scholarship recipient Heidi Rocha, at Holy Cross Ministries in Park City, Utah.
The experiences these four recipients have gained this summer are priceless. They are very thankful to Dave Bossy, the Monogram Club and the Center for Social Concerns for allowing them to have this opportunity.
“I am very grateful that the Monogram Club, Mr. Bossy and the Center for Social Concerns has given me this opportunity.” Nejedly says, “It has been a thrill for me to help, teach and connect with the children in the program as they are growing up.”
“The support of Dave Bossy, the Monogram Club and the Center for Social Concerns towards service work shows its dedication to Notre Dame’s most sacred values.” Carter says, ” The relationship these between these three is what makes Notre Dame a special place. I am very thankful to them for all they have done.”