McLean Citizens Association Gives Teen Character Awards at 2009 McLean Day

The McLean Citizens Association gave two Teen Character Awards during the 13th annual award ceremony at McLean Day on Saturday, May 16, 2009. The award ceremony was held at 2:45 PM at Lewinsville Park on Chain Bridge Road in McLean. John Foust, Dranesville District Supervisor; Janie Strauss, Dranesville District School Board Member; and Rob Jackson, McLean Citizens Association President; presented the awards.

The award honors teens who demonstrate outstanding character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation, helped out in their neighborhood or community, are being recognized not only for themselves but as an example to others. This year's awardees are:

Sarah Mendelsohn - Junior at Langley High School

For volunteering at Spirit Open Equestrian, a therapeutic riding center. Most Saturdays for the past two years, Sarah has worked with young children, teenagers, and adults with special needs, helping them to ride a horse. She helps get the horses ready prior to therapy, assists with lessons, helps make the rides feel at ease, and then helps put the horses away for the day. She always arrives early, and is typically one of the last to leave. When other volunteers do not show up, she willingly steps in. Her mother writes, "Many of the parents of the special needs children have expressed their gratitude and commented on Sarah's maturity and special care that she gives to their children…She loves that she can help people learn to love the horses and help them move."

Chloe Yazdani - Senior at McLean High School

For volunteering at the Lewinsville Senior Center. Every week for two hours, Chloe taught Spanish and computer classes to seniors at the Center, translated for them, helped with the holiday party, updated the center's databank, did office work, registered voters, and assisted with their Bingo games. She provided company for the seniors, helped them keep current with technology trends, and assisted with language problems. Anne Chase, Director of the Center, complimented Chloe for being cheerful, cooperative, and willing to take on any task. She appreciated Chloe's diligence, hard work, and gentle nature while working with seniors. Her high school guidance counselor, Cynthia Coogan wrote, "Chloe's work at the Lewinsville Senior Center…really defines her. In fact, it has helped her decide to study gerontology in college…The benefit to those who spend time with Chloe is having a sense of really being cared for and not one of the forgotten elderly."

Contact Information
Jan Auerbach
(703) 893-6953
Education and Youth Committee
McLean Citizens Association
jauerbach@cox.net