Four Students Awarded Scholarships Through Animal Services' Heritage Team Program
By Carol Weemes, Arlington Animal Services
Posted on February 28, 2020, February 28, 2020

1st Place – Mirabel Lynch, awarded $500, Oprah Winfrey 2nd Place – Isaiah Boone, awarded $400, Sojourner Truth 3rd Place – Asia Johnson, awarded $300, Michael Jordan 4th Place – Mary Skiba, awarded $200, Harriet Tubman

Interested in learning pointers for presenting yourself at your best during an interview? This is just one component of educational life skills learned by Heritage Team students this past year.

“Volunteering has shown me that the animal shelter is much more than just adopting animals,” said Mirabel Lynch, first place scholarship winner. “I’ve learned so much from so many amazing people in these last several months.”

Heritage Team members learned interviewing skills by preparing for and doing a mock interview with shelter manager Chris Huff. Each student was provided feedback on ways to improve their performance skills during an interview. From recognizing nervous ticks during the interview, to learning not to rush through responses to questions, and to provide complete answers, students gained helpful skills to prepare them for their futures.

“As a mother and an advocate for education, it is refreshing to know that programs such as the Heritage Program exists. This program allows our youth, the leaders of our tomorrow the opportunity to learn valuable life skills that will catapult them into a future of success. It is equally important to have a leader/mentor leading the way, in which you will find in Chris Huff, Animal Services Manager for the City of Arlington.” - Keri Parker Berry, Assistant Director, Esports Stadium Arlington and Expo Center.

Scholarships are awarded based on the student’s participation in the program, and their performance during an end of year contest presenting to an audience. Presentations are performed and rated by a panel of judges. The winning students are listed below with their scholarship amount granted and presentation topic:

1st Place – Mirabel Lynch, awarded $500, Oprah Winfrey
2nd Place – Isaiah Boone, awarded $400, Sojourner Truth
3rd Place – Asia Johnson, awarded $300, Michael Jordan
4th Place – Mary Skiba, awarded $200, Harriet Tubman

During the year, Heritage Team members spent time with Golden PAWS senior volunteers doing a hands-on project learning about how to create a blanket. The experience was rewarding for all involved.

The Heritage Team, founded by Animal Services Manager Chris Huff, is about to begin its sixth year. Huff is passionate about providing education and growing the program.

Visit the Heritage Team website for more information. Upcoming dates for program registration will be posted soon.

Click here to view more photos.

1st Place – Mirabel Lynch, awarded $500, Oprah Winfrey 2nd Place – Isaiah Boone, awarded $400, Sojourner Truth 3rd Place – Asia Johnson, awarded $300, Michael Jordan 4th Place – Mary Skiba, awarded $200, Harriet Tubman

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