Jessica Russell: Recipient of Ann Schaeffer Memorial Award

The recipient of the Ann Schaeffer Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to Others is Jessica Russell.

This annual award is generously donated by Peter and Michelle McDonald to honour the memory of Ann, a long serving member of the Macleans College staff. Ann was exceptionally caring, and dedicated to serving those in need. The World Vision 40 hour Famine had a special place in her heart and her efforts in running the programme ensured Macleans College was consistently amongst the top fundraisers in New Zealand.

Jessica has shown a sustained commitment to a range of service activities for charity, including the World Vision 40 Hour Famine. She is passionate about serving people and has dedicated her time and energy to fundraising for the Himalayan Trust and spearheaded the fundraising for the Nepal Earthquake relief in 2015 as a Year 12.

As Hillary House Service Captain, Jessica has done an outstanding job in leading fundraisers for the House including movie nights, sausage sizzles and ice cream sales to name only a few.

Jessica has also been an active member of the Leos club for the past seven years and involved herself in giving back to the Community by organising several home visits and performances to the Bucklands Beach Rest Home and is currently establishing a partnership with the Pakuranga Rest Home.

Outside of school Jessica took on the Oxfam Trail walker challenge (50km) and raised just over $2000 in her group of four for Oxfam. She volunteers as a Gymnastics teacher once a week and was also a volunteer at the Love This City event in March helping to spread the message of kindness to all.

Such an outstanding level of service makes Jessica a truly worthy recipient of the award for 2016.