Rockwood Students, Graduates Perform Acts of Service Through National Charity League

A cohort of 23 Rockwood School District students and recent graduates recently completed approximately 4,000 service hours as part of a six-year program with the Gateway Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL).

Founded in 1999, the mission of the Gateway NCL chapter is to strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters through a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. To support this mission, NCL Patronesses and Ticktockers (students in grades 7-12) participate in a six-year Core Program that encompasses various initiatives. These initiatives focus on providing services for children in underserved communities, educational support, food assistance, mental health advocacy, animal welfare, senior assistance and aid for individuals with special needs.

Many other inspiring Rockwood women have paved the way for this current group of Rockwood students to achieve remarkable things. The most recent cohort of 23 Rockwood students collectively completed approximately 4,000 service hours to date. In 2025, the Gateway Chapter as a whole completed more than 16,885 hours of philanthropic work in partnership with more than 30 local and national organizations.

This group includes recent graduates and current students from Lafayette and Marquette high schools, as well as Rockwood Valley, Crestview and Selvidge middle schools. Some Ticktockers have even earned the distinguished honor of the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), a prestigious national recognition awarded for outstanding community service. Teens aged 11-15 can earn Bronze (50-74 hours), Silver (75-99 hours) or Gold (100+ hours) recognition for one calendar year. Young adults aged 18-25 can also earn Bronze (100-174 hours), Silver (175-249 hours) or Gold (250+ hours) recognition in one calendar year.

These exceptional NCL Gateway Ticktockers have demonstrated remarkable academic achievements, notable athletic accomplishments, outstanding artistic talent in the fine arts and a deep commitment to service within their schools and local communities. Their dedication reflects not only their individual pursuits but also their positive impact on those around them. They raise awareness, show compassion and engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an appreciation for the various cultures within our community.

This most recent cohort includes:

• Avery Anthony, Marquette - PVSA (2022, 2023, 2024)
• Addison Buckley, Lafayette (2025 graduate) - PVSA (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
•  Olivia Clark, Lafayette - PVSA (2022, 2023)
• Carly DeSarno, Lafayette (2025 graduate) - PVSA (2022)
• Bria Helgerson, Rockwood Valley
• Josie Helgerson, Lafayette (2025 graduate)
• Lydia Helgerson, Lafayette - PVSA (2022, 2023, 2024)
• Abigail James, Crestview - PVSA (2024)
• Avery James, Marquette - PVSA (2022, 2023, 2024)
• Ainsley Lear, Lafayette - PVSA (2023, 2024)
• Gwyn Mathus, Marquette - PVSA (2023, 2024)
• Savannah Metzger, Selvidge
• Ella Minton, Lafayette - PVSA (2021)
• Megan Muschick, Lafayette (2025 graduate)
• Emily Parr, Crestview
• Cameryn Reynolds, Crestview
• Molly Reynolds, Crestview
• Ava Shelden, Rockwood Valley
• Elisa Varanavicius, Rockwood Valley
• Lily Vellines, Lafayette (2025 graduate) - PVSA (2021, 2022)
• Emma Vendt, Marquette - PVSA (2021, 2022, 2023)
• Olivia Williamson, Rockwood Valley
• Maya Witherspoon, Lafayette (2025 graduate) - PVSA (2022)