Bertha, a senior at Archbishop John Carroll High School, has been chosen as a White House Champion of Change and will get a private tour of the White House on Wednesday. What made you a great pick for this award?
I’m very involved in and out of my high school. I created my own little day camp one summer for kids. In school I am a peer minister, manager for the lacrosse team and the basketball team, a volleyball player, a National Honor Society treasurer and work on stage crew. I try to dedicate my weekends to help and serve and pick up food for the less fortunate.
What made you want to be so involved?
When I started doing the day camp, I realized I like having responsibility and doing things for others. During my sophomore year I started participating more. I realized I was doing something more valuable with my time than just going home and doing homework.
How do you balance your activities and academics?
For me it’s not that hard. I do my after-school activities and get home at 7. Then I dedicate myself to homework and am usually done at 9.
What are you looking forward to about the White House?
I’m most excited about meeting [President] Obama. Second, I’m the first high school student to get this award, and I wanted to let other teenagers know that anything is a possibility if you put your mind to it. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in your community. Every little bit helps.
Anything you want to say to the president?
The first thing I would say is “My name is Bertha, and everyone in my school has wanted to say hi to you.” All my family and friends have asked me to get his autograph, and I would just let him know that people really appreciate him.
– Liz Essley
