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Deerfield Spririt Award nominee making a positive difference
Deerfield High School senior Elizabeth Zwart is a recent winner of the Prudential Spirit Award and scholarship. -Photo supplied
Updated: December 18, 2012 3:00PM
Deerfield High School senior Elizabeth Zwart believes in helping others — so much so, that she has been nominated by DHS to compete for the highly-competitive Prudential Spirit Award, which includes a scholarship and charity donation. As stated on the organization’s web site, “The program’s goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities.Zwart said she is excited about the nomination, since the organization’s goals and focus line up well with her own. At 17, Zwart is heavily involved with several DHS clubs and enjoys working on civic and fundraising projects.
Q: What does it mean to you, having been nominated for the Prudential Spirit Award?
A: It is a huge honor. I know the person who won this last year and have always admired her priorities. It also feels good to know the organizations I work with will receive some exposure because of this.
Q: What are your goals after high school?
A: I plan to go to college to study economics and global health. My long-term goal is to work as a missionary in a developing country, integrating clean water, medical treatment and other life necessities into the community while preserving their unique culture.
Q: What activities are you involved with at Deerfield High School?
A: I have been active in Student Council and am one of the Co-Presidents this year, as well as being a co-chair for the School Chest Benefit last year. I have also loved being on cross country for the last 4 years, and have been a co-Captain the past two years. I am also a peer tutor and am in the Spanish Honor Society.
Q: Which teacher has been the most influential to you?
A: I have been really fortunate to have great teachers at DHS and it wouldn’t be fair to name just one. I have really enjoyed getting to know my teachers and learn from their life experiences. Deerfield has amazing teachers, and I really appreciate their wisdom and commitment to their students.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in town?
A: Chipotle is one of my favorites. A few years ago they had a coupon card that was buy one get one free burritos, so I was there all the time. Now, it’s more of a treat, but I still love it.
Q: What is on your iPod?
A: I tend to listen to the radio more than my iPod. 94.3 is probably playing most when I’m driving.
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: I’m reading “With” by Syke Jethani, alongside a few other people and love it.
Q: If you could be mayor of Deerfield for a day, what would you do?
A: Raise the speed limit on Chestnut.
Q: What about Deerfield makes you most proud?
A: I love the way our entire community is able to come together to support a cause. With School Chest going on at DHS, it’s been amazing to see people in the community step out of their comfort zones, and focus on others by generously donating time, money, and attention to LUNGevity’s worthy cause.
Q: What is your family like?
A: We have a sign in our kitchen that explains us pretty well: “As far as everyone else is concerned, we are a nice, normal family.”
