Devon Prep Student Honored for Academics, Athletics, and Service

DEVON, Pa. - May 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Devon Prep Junior James O’Shea was recently recognized for his accomplishments as a scholar, an athlete and a volunteer. He received a Presidential Volunteer Service Award and he was nominated for The Congressional Scholar-Athlete of Pennsylvania Program of the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

O’Shea received the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his dedication to giving back and serving others through his work at Lankenau Medical Center. This award was established in 2003 as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The award has four levels, gold, silver, bronze and lifetime. Each level recognizes a minimum number of hours volunteered throughout a 12 month period.  During a special luncheon honoring Lakenau volunteers O’Shea received the Gold level award for giving over 250 hours of service.

“I’m interested in medicine and my parents always taught me to give back, and this is my way of doing it,” said the 11th grader.  “I do transport, messenger service, work in same day surgery, clean equipment, and anything they need me to do.”

According to O’Shea, he enjoys working in the same day surgery unit the most because of the patient contact. “In the same day surgery unit I get to talk to patients and try to make them comfortable, help them relax before their surgery. I’ve met so many people of different ages and backgrounds. I’ve learned so much from them,” he said. “God has given me a lot.  It feels good to see someone else benefit from my efforts.”

The Congressional Scholar-Athlete Program recognizes exceptional, talented, well-rounded high school juniors and seniors from the seventh Congressional District who best exemplify the selfless dedication to school and sports that defines the leaders of tomorrow. O’Shea is a Distinguished Honor student, member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society as well as a member of the Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, and Spring Track & Field teams. In addition he is president of the junior class, vice president of Devon Prep’s Christian Action Program, a member of the Campus Ministry organization, and a member of the Theater Program House Crew.

O’Shea was recently invited to a reception, hosted by Congressman Patrick Meehan, where he and the other nominees were honored.  “I believe this program benefits our community by recognizing the exceptional talents of the young men and women of the Seventh Congressional District,” Meehan wrote. “Education is important both on and off the field.  In recognizing these well-rounded students I feel it will foster the confidence needed to continue on the path to success.”

Devon Prep is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school for young men in grades six through 12 conducted by the Piarist Fathers. The school is located on a 20 acre campus in Devon, Chester County. Devon Prep students hail from Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties as well as parts of Philadelphia. For more information call 610-688-7337 or visit www.devonprep.com or www.facebook.com/devonprep.