Lely student gets on the bus on her way to FSU

High school is a time for studying, having fun with friends, and going to parties and proms.  But for recent Lely graduate, Sarah Kristine Hagedorn, it was also a time to help her community and “Get on the Bus”.  Sarah’s focus on her studies, dual enrollment at Edison State College, and completion of online courses allowed her to graduate a year early.  Regardless of her heavy work load, Sarah found time to volunteer regularly at The Education Foundation of Collier County from January to June of 2011.  Putting in about 15 hours per week during the school year and working fulltime over the summer, she estimates that she has completed over 300 hours of volunteer time.

Sarah is a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient which currently requires 75 total volunteer hours for the entire four years of high school.  Going above and beyond what’s expected of her seems to be a trend with this bright, enthusiastic, and personable young woman.  Her responsibilities since she has been at the Foundation have included helping to write and layout newsletter pages, making donor packets, creating powerpoints, volunteering at events like the Golden Apple Teacher Awards, and putting together a very extensive media book; as well as filing and answering the phone.

She has most enjoyed helping with the newsletters and working at the events.  Sarah reflects, “It has been a great experience to volunteer.  It has helped me understand what it will be like to be in the workplace after college.  It’s also opened my eyes to the functioning of this organization and to what is happening here in our community.  This experience will definitely help me in my future.  Volunteering is a great opportunity for anyone.”

Sarah is enrolled at Florida State University where she will begin her college career in the summer semester, consistently remaining one step ahead.  Her planned majors are graphic design and communications.  She is already enrolled in FSU’s Booster Club and is also planning on joining either their yearbook or newspaper staff.  Sarah first became interested in graphic design while serving on Lely’s yearbook staff for all of her high school years.

Mom, Sandra Hagedorn, and older sister, Leigh Ann Hagedorn both feel that Sarah is ready for college even though she is only 17.  They are so proud and excited for her although Mom admits she is sorry to see her leave home so soon.  Another bonus to attending FSU is that the whole family has been Seminole fans their entire lives.  Go, Noles!

“We are so appreciative and proud of all you have accomplished here,” remarked Susan McManus, Education Foundation President.  “You are a great example of what it means to get on the bus.”

Best of luck in your college career and in life, Sarah.  What a bright future you have ahead of you!