Congratulations to Hilton Head Prep sophomore Gabby Klobucar, the 2021 recipient of the Neighborhood Outreach Connection Outstanding Volunteer Award. The award has been given annually since 2016 to a Hilton Head Prep upper school student who has demonstrated dedicated commitment to helping children excel academically at NOC’s St. Luke’s Learning Center.
The 2020-2021 school year was Gabby’s first time volunteering with NOC at the St. Luke’s Learning Center, but in a short time she became an integral part of the NOC team. The more Gabby volunteered, the more she bonded with the students. The time she spent with the students allowed her to see the hardships they face, and recognize how different her own childhood was in comparison. As a result, Gabby now volunteers almost every day that NOC is in session. She has found volunteering to be a way to give back and lift the whole community. She has also recruited fellow students and friends to volunteer with her.
VOLUNTEER IN ACTION … Every Monday through Thursday afternoon, Jonathan waits anxiously at the NOC-St. Luke’s campus for his favorite high school volunteer, Gabby Klobucar, to arrive. He cannot wait to greet her with a huge hug. Jonathan is not the only student who feels this way. Jose, who is nine, said “Gabby is great with us and helps us with our homework. She is so friendly with me.” Arianna, who is nine, said, “Gabby helped me do the multiplication problem that I could not do. She explained to me how to solve it. I love her.” The big smiles on every face when Gabby enters are clear evidence that she is special to all NOC students.
Volunteers like Gabby make all the difference in a young person’s life. It is often easier for students to bond with someone who is closer to their age. Gabby’s patience and passion have made a lasting difference on the students at NOC.
We are proud of you, Gabby! Thank you for giving your time and talent to make our community a better place for everyone.
In March 2020, as COVID 19 was declared a global pandemic, the spread of this virus had a profound impact on our lives, including suffering and death. Locally, people lost jobs and incomes, and for at least 6 months children could no longer attend schools for face-to-face learning. Stress and anxiety have plagued many people, especially the poor, the elderly, and those who are vulnerable.
NOC closed its 6 learning centers in Beaufort County in mid-March 2020. Later, under challenging conditions, NOC re-opened 4 of its centers for a 6-week summer program, giving children an avenue to engage in learning and social interaction. Over the past six months, children (“NOC Heroes”) in NOC’s education program have eagerly participated in its after-school program, wearing masks, social distancing, using hand sanitizers, and adopting other recommended hygiene practices. This way of life has now become routine for these children who are adjusting and striving to move ahead without complaints.
