Portage High School Student Receives Letter from White House

Gabriela Martinez holds the distinction of receiving a letter from the White House in Washington D.C. At the bottom of the letter is President Obama’s signature. The letter is to congratulate Gabriela for receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award. It is no mistake that she was one of the students across the U.S. that received this letter of congratulations.

Gabriela is always ready to lend a helping hand. She has been involved in the Portage High School Recycling Club, the National Honor Society, has tutored at the Boys and Girls Club and has taught Catechism at her local parish. Her recognition from the president was due to her serving as youth leader for the Catholic organization Camino Y Esperanza, which translates The Way and Hope.

As a leader in Camino Y Esparanza, Gabriela volunteers in retreats and meetings, leading discussion groups. She also presents reflections on Bible passages, while also assisting with events such as bake sales and other fundraisers. Gabriela states that her volunteer work is time and energy consuming; however, she gladly does this as an act of denying herself an easy, carefree life to serve others and bring glory to God. She feels honored to be a part of Camino Y Esperanza, serving God and humanity.