Vermont
Teddy Bear Announces Hiba Wasef Fakhoury a Finalist for the Vermont Student Citizen Award
Shelburne
, VT – Hiba Wasef Fakhoury, a resident of Jordan and an international student at Middlebury College in Vermont, has been chosen as one of five finalists for The Vermont Teddy Bear Company's 8th annual Vermont Student Citizen Award. Fakhoury, a senior, is being recognized for her volunteer work with the Middlebury Fire Department.
Fakhoury began working with the Middlebury Fire Department during her sophomore year, becoming the first international student to volunteer. To become a firefighter, Fakhoury had to attend weekly training sessions and biweekly department meetings, in addition to being on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Firefighting has given me a unique perspective as a Middlebury student, and I feel I am now more aware of my impact on my surroundings" said Fakhoury. "I have a tremendous respect for the other members of my [firefighting] team. I have been given a home away from home, and the least I can do is contribute back."
Letters of recommendation in support of Fakhoury's Vermont Student Citizen Award application were sent in by representatives of the Middlebury Fire Department and Middlebury College, including the college's president, Roanld D. Liebowitz. "Hiba is known and respected by faculty, staff, and students across Middlebury's campus, and her selection as our nominee for the Vermont Student Citizen Award was enthusiastic and unanimous," said President Liebowitz. "As an international student from Jordan, Hiba has truly embodied the notion of global citizenship, acknowledging and furthering her understanding of global issues, while taking local action."
Created by The Vermont Teddy Bear Company in cooperation with Vermont Campus Compact, Vermont Higher Education Council, and Vermont Life Magazine, the Vermont Student Citizen Award recognizes the outstanding community service contributions Vermont college students make in the community to nonprofit groups and civic organizations. The award carries a reward of $1,000 to the student, a corporate gift of $1,000 to the nonprofit organization where the student serves, and a gift of $1,000 to the institution the student attends. The winner will be announced later this month.