Story by Christina Leslie | Staff Writer

Whether it is for local programs such as animal adoption and aiding children with special needs, or for national campaigns like preventing severe burns or treating breast cancer, Catholic youth of the Diocese of Trenton have shown they are ready to work toward bettering their school, parish and community. As recognition for this work, a quartet of high school seniors have been recognized with the 2016 Caring Award for their contributions to causes locally and internationally.

Brandon Tarabocchia of St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel; Marietta Richman of Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank; Clare Cahill of St. Rose High School, Belmar, and Michael Allingham of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, were among 36 students to receive the annual award from the Monmouth County Guidance Director Association during a breakfast March 17 in Brookdale Community College, Lincroft.

Each participating Monmouth County high school guidance department selected a senior they felt most exhibits exceptional care and compassion to a cause, group or program during his or her high school career. Each selected student was asked to prepare a two-minute video highlighting their service and upload it onto YouTube.

The MCGDA, a professional non-profit organization of school counselors from public and private schools throughout Monmouth County, awards scholarships to these seniors in recognition for their service.

In his video, Tarabocchia, a senior in St. John Vianney, noted, “My passion lies in community service.” The teen has been a member of the school’s Key Club for the past four years, serves as its lieutenant governor, and partners with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization in hosting a Halloween party for elementary school students. Tarabocchia also performs many service hours at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, and works with the Howell Police Athletic League in their service to autistic children.

William Bulman, SJVHS director of guidance, declared, “Brandon is an outstanding representative of our school community. His commitment to his classmates and community is a model of what SJVHS hopes to produce in every single student.”

Richman’s community service springs from causes close to her heart. The Red Bank Catholic senior and Girl Scout earned her Silver award for her work with breast cancer, raising funds and compiling care packages for women like her mother, diagnosed with the disease. Richman earned the Girl Scout’s highest level, the Gold award, through her efforts to educate the public about burn prevention and treatment, drawing upon her own experience as a past scalding victim.

“Marietta was chosen because of her beautiful and compassionate spirit, which is at the core of who she is,” said Kelly Howlett, director of guidance in RBC. “Reaching out to those in need is who Marietta is, and she is making the world a kinder and gentler place simply by being herself.”

Cahill devotes many service hours through various school, parish, and community outreach programs.  She gives ice skating and piano lessons to children, collects toys and eyeglasses for the needy, serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist in St. Rose Parish and assists in the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Cahill also volunteers in the Children’s Specialized Hospital, Toms River, aiding the disabled.

Heather Handzo, guidance director in the Belmar high school, said Cahill was chosen for the Caring Award “because she has given selflessly to both God and the community over the past four years. She is vice president of the National Honor Society and will attend Georgian Court University, Lakewood, next year in their Honors Program. She is a genuine and kind person, destined to do great things with her life.”

Allingham’s love for animals prompted him to volunteer at Columbia’s Barnyard Sanctuary, a shelter for abused animals, and the Monmouth County SPCA. He began the Action for Animals club in CBA, and takes his rabbits, cats and dogs to the De La Salle Retirement Home in Lincroft as pet therapy to the school’s retired brothers. Allingham has served as CBA yearbook editor for three years and also tutors at the Red Bank Charter School, presenting his young students with balloons on their birthdays.

CBA guidance director Colleen Hayes applauded Allingham’s work with animals, admitting his “Adoption Wall” of pets in need of permanent homes as a real temptation for staff and students alike. “Animals are his passion,” Hayes declared. “He does so much, but he does it quietly and doesn’t call attention to himself.”

To view the four students’ videos, go to TrentonMonitor.com.