VERO BEACH — At the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Foundation’s award ceremony on August 24, Saint Edward’s Junior Colby Lufkin and his committee of Pirates were awarded the state Community Advocate of the Year Award for their ingenuity and efforts on behalf of the local chapter of Guardian Ad Litem. Saint Edward’s Juniors Lauren Edwards, Jared Jillson, Jack Santini, Jay Schulte, Lonnie Scott, Jad Shaloub and Oliver Wilkey were also recognized.
Each year the 20 Florida chapters of Guardian Ad Litem select a person or agency in their area that has made an incredible impact on the work of the agency. From these 20 nominations, the statewide Community Advocate of the Year is chosen. The award is given to someone who has had a significant impact on the lives of children.
“This extraordinary Youth Committee came up with innovative ways to draw attention to the Guardian Ad Litem Program as well as raise funds for Guardians for New Futures,” said the President of the Guardian Ad Litem board of directors. “It took a great deal of ingenuity and effort to organize and host the Iron Man 2 premier. Over 250 tickets were sold for the event, the proceeds of which were donated to the Guardian Ad Litem program.”
The Saint Edward’s Youth Committee was credited with bringing on board John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted to promote the Iron Man 2 movie premier. Further, the committee of Pirates secured a promotional clip from ESPN and donations for a raffle from golfer Greg Norman. Students of all ages came out in support of the Youth Committee’s fundraiser.
In making the award Guardian Ad Litem wrote: This group realizes that giving back to the community and reaching out to the less fortunate can be done at any age. Saint Edward’s believes in the value of every student contributing service hours to help others. Twenty hours of documented community service per year at a non-profit organization, such as a church, hospital, school or other agency are required for graduation.
