When it comes to community service, Amanda Teller knows her stuff.
That’s probably why she was named the winner of an essay contest called ‘Giving Back,? which was started by T&C Federal Credit Union and the Detroit Shock.
The 16-year-old Oxford High School student wrote her essay on why giving back to the community is so important.
Teller wrote about how she received a lot of help from friends, family and coaches growing up, which is what she attributes to her helping others now.
‘It’s a good thing to help out other people,? she said. ‘Just spending time with kids and other people is fun.?
Teller is active in the high school’s National Honor Society, gives back to the community by teaching Sunday school at Divine Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Orion, and even finds time to volunteer at LifeHorse, which is an equestrian farm in Oxford that allows terminally and chronically ill children to enjoy the experience of riding horses for free.
‘Giving back to those around you helps you to find yourself while you make a little child’s day a little brighter,? she wrote in her essay.
Lon Bone, the vice president of marketing for T&C, said Teller’s essay was an obvious choice for a winner due to her extensive resume with community service.
‘Volunteering is a part of citizenship, which is what made this country great,? Bone said. ‘We just need to make sure people focus on that.?
Teller will receive a $1,000 check for winning the essay contest, which will be used as scholarship money in the future.
The check will be presented to her during the Detroit Shock game at the Palace of Auburn Hills on June 15.