NHS Interact Club, Adviser Wins Red Cross Heroes Award

Neshaminy High School's Interact Club and its adviser, Suzi Drake, won the 2012 American Red Cross Heroes Award, Community Partner Hero award.

According to the school district website, this award is presented to a community group, neighborhood organization or local company that "consistently demonstrates a commitment to making a difference in the community."

Drake and the Interact Club were nominated by Interact members Caroline Crasnick and Erika Emery, Playwickian newspaper editor Tiffany McMahon and English teacher Tara Huber.

"Making a difference is extremely important to us. We do a variety of different community projects, from spaghetti dinners and talent shows to prom dress donations. With each new project comes more motivation to make the world a better place with charity and compassion for those who unfortunately are not so lucky," Crasnick said in her nomination statement.

"We are proud to say that we've raised thousands of dollars for several different causes, overseen by our tremendous leader Ms. Suzi Drake, who we'd be nowhere without," she continued.

Emery also discussed the impact Interact has had not only on the community, but on herself as well.

"The one event that made the largest impact on my own life was the Relay for Life American Cancer Society 24 Hour walk this past June. Those who wished to partake signed up, raised an exuberant amount of funds, and walked like it was their job," Emery wrote.

"Ms. Drake made purple tie-dyed tee-shirts for the group, once against using numerous hours of her own time to go above and beyond," she stated.

Huber also wrote about Drake's dedication to the community through the Interact club.

"Ms. Drake is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people of the Bucks County community, making her a true humanitarian in every sense of the word. Sacrificing countless hours, she is constantly seeking opportunities to connect the Neshaminy High School students to the community in which they live. Her caring and supportive personality fosters an environment where students can discover a true sense of purpose and self-worth through service to their community.”

As stated on the district website, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania will host a Real Heroes Breakfast to recognize heroes in Bucks County who have saved lives, committed selfless acts of courage and compassion, and exemplify the mission and qualities of the Red Cross movement. This year’s event will be held May 2, 2012, at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland.