Marymount Senior Recognized For Volunteer Work

In honor of National Philanthropy Day, Marymount High School senior Katelin Wagner was recognized as one of just three finalists for “Outstanding Youth Volunteer” at a luncheon sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, honoring National Philanthropy Day. National Philanthropy Day celebrates the extraordinary contributions that individuals, organizations and businesses across the world make to countless causes and missions.

Committed to social justice issues and to serving as an advocate for those who have little or no voice, Katelin has volunteered more than 500 hours of service to TEENLINE,a non-profit teen-to-teen hotline, website and community outreach program. In this role, Katelin works with teens who are dealing with issues such as relationship issues, pregnancy, child abuse and suicide.  Bringing these lessons back to Marymount, Katelin founded “Open Your Eyes,” a club dedicated to helping girls in need of peer-to-peer support, and to raising awareness about mental health and social issues that are relevant to teens.

Of being chosen as a finalist, Katelin says, “I've always believed that if I could help one person in some way then my job would feel complete, but becoming a finalist certainly helps to validate  my work. My volunteer work has been so important to me; it has absolutely changed my life. There is something so beautiful about someone telling me that I saved their life or I made a difference.  I'm just a 17 year-old girl, but doing this work has shown me that even 17 year-old girls have the potential to make a lasting impact in their communities.”

Since its founding in 1923, Marymount High School has focused on educating and empowering the minds, hearts and spirits of girls in preparing them to make abetter world.  As it continues to live the mission of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the school draws students from throughout Los Angeles and challenges them to recognize their leadership abilities, to apply their intellects, and to work now and in the future for social change.