Working at a local restaurant, having my own small business, babysitting and working for my father’s company has given me real-life and invaluable experience in the working world at such a young age and has helped me understand how important it is to not only earn a paycheck and save and spend my money responsibly but also work with people in a positive manner and always make people feel valued. This is what inspired me to do something even more important, to work to help our local community by giving my time to people who really need help.
The Possum Queen Foundation
I also led my peers at various events to a foundation called “The Possum Queen”, where my younger brother Luke, and sister, Brooke helped founded what is known as “The Little Possums”. The Little Possums was an idea that I formed and approached Vice President Mr. Bongiorno of the Possum Queen Foundation. We asked if we could form the Little Possums, bringing in peers from around town and the local schools to help raise money and create awareness for the foundation. The Possum Queen is a local organization that raises monetary funds for families in town and surrounding towns unexpectedly facing medical, financial, and personal challenges that prevent them from being able to pay for all their expenses. Mr. Bongiorno and the other board members loved the idea and “The Little Possums'" was born. PQF could help purchase a wheelchair for someone who suffered a bad accident or has other health problems. We can help arrange for meals or groceries to be brought for someone who just spent their last dollar on medical expenses, basically anyone who has fallen on hard times.
2023 Possum Queen Foundation
The youngest among the Litchfield high school/middle school was the Lacilla siblings Luke, Brook, and Madison, the trio sold t-shirts and solicited donations in an effort that raised more than $6,000.
"Three hardworking kids who took it upon themselves to volunteer for our cause," Bongiorno said. "They did a great job, and they did it all on their own without any prompting from us."
Possum Queen Article - Jan. 5, 2023 Republican American (above)
Torrington Soup Kitchen:
For the past 3 years, I have been serving at the Torrington and Waterbury soup kitchen preparing and serving meals to those in need in our community. My parents have always told me that I have been given so much and that much is required of me to give back and this was one of the ways I could give back and help others who don't have what I have. I love talking with the people I serve meals to and always greet them with a smile. It is so upsetting to me how many families cannot afford a nutritious meal.
The Torrington Soup Kitchen does more than just serve meals, it provides nutritional counseling, feeds the hungry, and provides essential everyday support, nutritious food, and medical support resources.
The Oliver Wolcott Library
In addition, I volunteer for the Oliver Wolcott Library called "The Festival of Trees" which was Established over 25 years ago. The Festival of Trees & Traditions has become an annual holiday custom for visitors throughout Litchfield and the state. Every year community members, artists, and organizations decorate holiday trees to be displayed in the galleries of the Oliver Wolcott Library. All items are for sale, and profits help fund the library’s special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses. For the event, local designers prepare festive centerpieces, and library patrons create wreaths and other forms of original art and holiday décor for bidding by attendees. The library is transformed into an elegant party venue for the more than 500 people who attend the event. This last year I decorated and donated a tree with my own money that I earn from all my jobs.
FBLA Club - (Future Business Leaders of America)
Since joining the future business leaders of America club since my freshman year, I have expanded my understanding and knowledge of the business world. Our main event we do at the start of the year is help the underserved families throughout our district make sure they have a Thanksgiving meal. Additionally, every year we participate in Connecticut's FBLA convention where schools from all over the state learn to grow their knowledge from professionals about what business is really about, as well as winning awards from entry tests.
Interact Club
I have been a part of Interact club for over a year. It has given me many opportunities to give back to my community in many ways, from volunteering at the Waterbury Soup Kitchen, selling treats for students during holidays, helping local events around town and much more. Making Food Baskets For People and Families In Need Of Healthy Meals. Another component is I try to make eye contact with each person I hand food too while trying to have a conversation. I find that the most important part of my service is to just talk with people. Having someone to talk with is just as important if not more than handing them a food basket.
