Senior Gabrielle Segal has spent her high school years helping others and has now been recognized for her actions. Gabrielle received a letter from President Barack Obama for her 2,400 hours of community service.

She was called down to the principal’s office to receive her letter.

“When I was called down to Mrs. Lail’s office I was confused, but when she gave me the letter from the president, I was shocked and very happy,” Gabrielle said. The summer before freshman year, Gabrielle was bored and wanted to do something for the community.

“I found this place called CAMP Camp and decided to go and try it out,” Gabrielle said.

CAMP or Children’s Association for Maximum Potential is a place where teenagers and young adults can mentor kids with various disabilities such as Asperger’s and Autism. Gabrielle takes time out of her summer to participate and help these children.

“CAMP Camp has taught me compassion and true happiness,” Gabrielle said. “It is like my second family and it makes me happy to see the kids that I help.”

Along with her long hours of community service, Gabrielle is in the National Honor Society. The adviser, Brenda Crabtree, has spent some time with her.

“My first impression of Gabrielle is that she is very kind and motivated,” Crabtree said.

Crabtree says Gabrielle has a desire to help people, and gets her motivation from working with students and people in need and seeing how happy they are at the camp.

“Everyone can volunteer at least a little bit of their time to help others,” Gabrielle said.

At the end of this school year, Gabrielle hopes to apply for a job at CAMP Camp.