Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Alyssa Drinkard

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week we highlight eighth grader Alyssa Drinkard of Paxon Hollow Middle School for her commitment to serving and volunteering for the elderly.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Alyssa Drinkard

Whiz Kid's Age: 13

Whiz Kid's School: 

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Alyssa was recently awarded with the Volunteer of the Year award from Sunrise Senior Living community in Newtown Square. Alyssa started volunteering at Sunrise last summer and volunteers twice a week since then, making her face a fresh staple to the senior community.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: When she heard about volunteering at Sunrise Senior Living from her sixth-grade teacher Angela Matt, Alyssa said she knew she wanted to apply.

"I decided to fill out an application for the next summer," recalls Alyssa.

Though not a typical volunteer opportunity that most eighth graders decide to choose, Alyssa says she wanted to volunteer at Sunrise because "I like and I have a special bond there."

Alyssa, who stops by Bingo night twice a week, particularly helps out with the elderly suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and feeds them dinner.

"I try to put in a good frame of mind when I'm there–they look happy and they seem to be in a happy-go-lucky mood when I'm there, so I'm happy," says Alyssa. "And bingo is so much fun."

Alyssa has had the special opportunity to call out the numbers a few times and once a month she helps host the auctions.

Having a set of grandparents around her growing up, Alyssa says she's has just grown to love the elderly. And it appears as though the residents at Surnise also feel the same way with Alyssa.

Alyssa usually stays longer than her three-hour time slots at Sunrise and has become a popular staple within the community. One resident wrote an appreciative letter to Alyssa stating his gratitude for her service, in which a handful of residents had signed.

"Art Goldberg–he wrote an amazing letter and how happy he was that I was contributing towards senior citizens," shares Alyssa. "A bunch of residents signed it."

In the letter, Goldberg writes, "I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for you reading some of our bingo games. I know the majority of younger people wouldn't choose to do this but you are an example of what this great country is based off of–volunteerism."

"It felt amazing," says Alyssa about receiving the letter. "Whenever I read that, I come to tears."

Alyssa has also joined in on one of the many field trips that Sunrise offers to its residents, and hopes to become an activities leader someday. Though she enjoys working with the elderly, Alyssa says she also enjoys working with children and may consider teaching someday.

Alyssa says she hopes to continue volunteering at Sunrise through high school and college.

"Seeing the residents there and seeing them smile just makes me really happy being there," says Alyssa.

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.