BEST AND BRIGHTEST: Teen connects with all generations
Alli Slamkowski has logged more than 275 hours at NBA Village at the Bluffs, a residence for low-income senior citizens, organizing parties and activities such as bingo. She raises money for the residents and chats with them while playing dominoes.
"Alli has qualities that are so rare for someone her age," said Sue O'Brien, service coordinator for Village at the Bluffs. "She exudes a passion and enthusiasm for the elderly that is unmatched by any other high school student who has volunteered with us. She has a warmth about her, a kindness; she shines."
Volunteerism is a big part of Slamkowski's life. She also rings the Salvation Army bell, organizes activities for children at her church, helps freshmen transition into high school and raises money for many charities.
"I've been so blessed, it's just my way of giving back," Slamkowski said. "I've been able to connect with an older generation. I love to hear their stories."
In addition to volunteering, Slamkowski maintains straight A's at Air Academy High School while leading the girls' varsity golf team. An average week will also find her playing intramural sports, attending Bible study and participating in the school Spirit Club. "The more busy I've been, the more motivated I am, if that makes sense," Slamkowski said.
Asked how she manages to fit in all of her activities and still make the Principal's Honor Roll, Slamkowski said, laughing: "A lot of late nights. My parents get mad at me, but I'm usually up until 11 or 12." She then wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to get off to school by 6:30.
Life isn't all scholastics and work, however. Slamkowski enjoys hanging out with friends and was voted "Everyone's Best Friend" and Homecoming Queen this year.
"I'm not popular at all," Slamkowski said. "But I guess my efforts to reach out to different groups paid off, so to speak."
There is one teen activity to which Slamkowski is strongly opposed: underage drinking.
In eighth grade her best friend called her crying because her older brother had been killed in a drunken-driving crash. "That conversation is branded in my brain."
"I used to condemn kids who drank," Slamkowski said, "but I realized that not everyone is going to think like I do. A lot of my friends have gone down that path recently. Now I invite friends over, and they see it is possible to have fun without drinking."
