Two Mason High School students were recently honored for their inspirational stories of philanthropy and desire to help others. For 52 years, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) has honored outstanding student volunteers of all faiths who have demonstrated a passion for making our community a better place in which to live with the Simon Lazarus, Jr., Human Relations Award. On April 26, AJC celebrated the 52nd anniversary of the Lazarus Awards at a ceremony in which one junior winner and four junior finalists and one senior winner and four senior finalists were presented with cash prizes and recognition of their volunteer accomplishments.
Chris Allgor was the 2017 junior winner from Mason High School. Sometimes, when life circumstances dictate drastic changes in our hopes and dreams we can become despondent and sink into depression. This is certainly NOT the case for Chris. When his budding football career abruptly ended due to repeat concussions, he launched himself headfirst into using his time and energy to help others fit in, helping run a school group to combat social isolation and bullying. He is described by his supporter as “a guardian angel for those who might get made fun of,” “a secret superhero,” and a “model student…who always puts others first.” His selfless motivation and actions make him a deserving winner of the Lazarus Award.
Alyssa Brooks, was a senior finalist from Mason High School. Alyssa has dedicated herself to the cause of suicide prevention. After experiencing suicide in a friend’s family, she saw firsthand the tragedy and devastation of suicide and decided to do what she could to prevent it. Through her efforts she has made her large school into a smaller caring community, in addition to personally helping a fellow student who contemplated taking their life. She is a leader in the school organization of Students Involving and Befriending Students (SIBS) that provides mentoring to transfer students and freshman. She recruited 20 other students to join the club’s efforts and coached them on how to reach out to students in need. Through her writing, editing and broadcasting talents, she has developed a unique voice for storytelling that invokes empathy in others. She used these talents to create a Public Service Video on suicide prevention that made a deep impact on her school. Through Alyssa’s efforts she has made a lasting difference in the lives of individuals who suffer emotionally, as well as raised awareness in her peers who can reach out to help prevent the loss of life.