"Shoot for the moon, if you miss you'll land among the stars."
This quote, by Les Brown, is Elizabeth Foley's mantra. The Saline High School senior is the 2007 Youth of the Year and will receive her award Thursday from the city of Saline Youth Council at Saline Salutes, the community's annual ceremony honoring extraordinary citizens.
Foley will be honored for her contributions to the Saline community, sustained participation in extracurricular activities and exceptional volunteer efforts.
"This is a wonderful award to receive, especially considering the other nominees whom I respect for their amazing accomplishments," Foley said.
Jody Roberts is the Saline Youth Council adviser and agrees that the other nominees, Meaghan Peake and Jose Galinato, both Saline High School seniors, have made outstanding contributions to the community.
"They are incredible young adults. Jose has been a stellar volunteer and leader at SHS and beyond, and Meghan initiated groundbreaking change for teens that will continue through the years," Roberts said.
Foley has been a one-to-one visitor and activities volunteer at the Evangelical Home and Brecon Village. She was a volunteer at the Hope Clinic soup kitchen. She also raised more than $12,000 for the Leader Dogs for the Blind Program.
"Elizabeth is a compassionate and loving person who cares to make a difference in the world," said Joyce Hughes, who wrote one of two nomination letters for Foley. Foley has babysat and tutored the Hughes children.
The daughter of Sue and George Foley and one of three girls, she has always loved working with children.
"When my little sister Katie was born, I claimed her as my own. She's been my best friend and playmate ever since," said Foley. "My mom is very nurturing and I learned that from her." Older sister Sara attends the University of Michigan.
When the family moved to Saline six years ago, Elizabeth Foley visited the Saline Recreation Center and asked how she could help with the kids.
"She volunteered as a junior counselor, and once created an awesome Braille scavenger hunt for the campers that was very impressive. She is a fabulous role model and so very motivated on a global level and right here at home," said Sunshine Lambert, recreation supervisor.
Foley also has volunteered with Special Olympic athletes for the past four years and plans to study special education at Western Michigan University.
Laura Washington teaches at Saline High School and also nominated Foley for the Youth of the Year.
"I met Elizabeth three years ago when she was in my Spanish class. She suggested the students write letters to the child she was sponsoring in Ecuador. For a split second, I though, 'why is a 14-year old student sponsoring a child?' Little did I know that this was only the beginning."
Foley and her father are traveling to Ecuador during spring break to visit the youngster she sponsors.
At Saline High School, she was a Link crew leader, mentoring incoming freshmen. Foley represented Saline High School at a Michigan Youth Leadership conference, attended National Honor Society National Leadership Camp, serves as an officer with the class of 2007 and is a member of the city of Saline Youth Council. She is also a peer group leader at St. Andrew's Church in Saline.
"And, she does all of this while maintaining extracurricular activities at school and excellent grades," Washington said.
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380 or scollins@heritage.com.
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