The Gloucester Democratic City Committee (GDCC) has awarded this year’s Public Service Scholarship to Danielle Denman. The GDCC awards a scholarship each year to a graduating Gloucester High School senior that has demonstrated a sustained commitment to helping others through public service.
“Whether it has been on the phones and doors during campaign season, in front of Market Basket collecting tuna for The Open Door, or one of a number of other volunteer opportunities, Danielle has consistently demonstrated her commitment to public service in our community,” said Bernadette Merenda, chair of the GDCC Scholarship Committee. “While we did not lack exceptional candidates for this year’s scholarship, Danielle continues to stand out. We are proud to award her the GDCC Public Service Scholarship for the Class of 2020.”
“I am truly honored and grateful to be this year’s recipient of the GDCC Public Service Scholarship,” said Denman. “I have been fortunate to work with the GDCC to further my work in community service and social activism.”
Denman’s involvement with GDCC outreach and public service projects began during the presidential campaign season, when she knocked on doors and made calls to inform voters about issues and candidates while asking them to exercise their right to vote. Between campaigns she has helped with GDCC public service activities that benefit The Open Door and other local organizations, as well as volunteering independently with Cape Ann Animal Aid, Wellspring House, and Pathways for Children.
“I began working with the committee during the 2012 Presidential election, where I participated in canvassing and the Get Out The Vote campaign. The hands-on work the GDCC has done for the Gloucester community has inspired me to continue my service throughout high school,” said Denman. “As the Vice President of the Young Democrats Club at GHS, I worked with the GDCC to participate in the annual Ton of Tuna food drive, and learned with their guidance how to show support for local politics through public service.”
A member of the National Honor Society and many other GHS clubs, including service as a writer and editor for The Gillnetter, Denman cites her personal experience and Gloucester’s community spirit for her devotion to public service.
“At times in my life, my family and I have faced adversities that have led us to seek assistance from The Open Door and other local community organizations. The help and kindness we have received from these people has inspired me to give back,” said Denman. “Through the National Honor Society, the GDCC, and other organizations, as well as my own determination, I am proud to say that I believe I have made my community a better place. I will continue to work hard to improve my community, largely because I know the impact public service can have on families and individuals.”
Denman plans on attending Emmanuel College as a member of their honors program and hopes to become a professional in the communications field.
In addition to the scholarship awarded to Danielle Denman, the Gloucester Democratic City Committee awarded two secondary scholarships to Gloucester High School seniors Ruby Mills and Kevyn Ann Chandler.
“We were extremely fortunate to have such high-quality candidates competing for this scholarship, a testament to both the students and our public school teachers here in Gloucester,” said Merenda. “In a time when students are facing the prospect of taking huge loans to pay for their education, we want to make sure we do what we can to encourage public service in our students. We are glad to offer awards to Ruby Mills and Kevyn Ann Chandler.”
Mills is a Sawyer Medal winner and member of the Student Council and National Honor Society. Her commitment to public service started in elementary school, when she would walk around with her wagon and pick up trash. She has volunteered at Cape Ann Animal Aid and West Parish Elementary School, as well as The Open Door, where she has helped to prepare and serve community meals to those in need. This past summer, she volunteered over forty hours at Addison Gilbert Hospital in the emergency department and the senior adult unit, where she observed the workflow of the hospital and interacted with patients. Mills plans on attending Saint Anselm College to study nursing.
Chandler is a member of the Student Council and National Honor Society. Throughout her years at Gloucester High School, she immersed herself in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the varsity cheerleading and tennis teams, as well as the Interact Club, where she received an award for her dedication of service. In her public service work, she has volunteered at Pathways for Children, The Open Door, the Sawyer Free Library, and a number of after school extracurricular events. She has also taught at a youth cheer camp, emphasizing the importance of teamwork to her students. Chandler has been accepted to a number of New England area colleges and universities.