“Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ When I first
heard this quote, I developed a new understanding and appreciation for helping others,†said the Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School Grade 12 student. “We truly define ourselves through the working with other people. This is the lifestyle I chose to live.†Through her roles on student council as past spiritual administrator and president, Lisa is considered the “go-to-girl,†when it comes to ideas for school or charity events. She has been an instrumental leader in organizing events to raise money for the Adopt-A-Family and Tree of Hope campaigns, as well as the Canadian Cancer Society, Good Shepherd, McMaster Sick Kids and the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton, to name a few. “The interesting thing about Lisa’s ideas is not that she has so many of them, and good ones, it’s that she is vividly aware of the greater needs of the community. At her first student council meeting as spiritual administrator, while all other members sitting around the table talked about dances and concerts, Lisa made it a point to tie charity and social justice into each and every event idea,†said student council teacher advisor Carla D’Elia. “She recognizes that students in high school should have fun, but at the same time holds them accountable to the fact that the students in the school are blessed and that it is our job as a school to give back to those who are not as fortunate as we are.†As student council president, Lisa is known for her “quiet leadership.†“She engages students, encourages them and fosters a real sense of spirit and commitment among all the student council members,†said principal Sara Cannon. “She certainly is an exemplary student at Cardinal Newman and a wonderful role model for all students.†Lisa is also an integral member of the school’s Me to We and Social Justice groups, as well as the Peer Tutoring and Mentoring programs, helping Grade 9 and 10 students achieve their academic goals and adjust to high school life. “She has a very good repertoire with all students and most especially with our younger students,†said Ms. Cannon. “It’s such a big world for them to come into high school, but Lisa engages them, tries to build their confidence, lets them know that everyone is approachable and that they’re not alone.â€
When she’s not helping her fellow students, Lisa can be found volunteering her time at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic elementary school’s Before and After School program, mentoring students and helping them with their homework.