St. John Vianney High School senior Nina Casola was recently presented with the 2015 Caring Award by the Monmouth County Guidance Director Association. MCGDA honors one senior from each high school in Monmouth County who has exhibited exceptional care and compassion to a cause, group, or program during his/her high school career.

Casola has been a volunteer in the SPUR Program (Special People United to Ride) since she was 14 years old. The SPUR program is located at Sunnyside Equestrian Center in Middletown and is a non-profit organization that provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to achieve personal goals through therapeutic horseback riding. Nina regularly assists with lessons and various special activities for SPUR. She also helps with the youth horseback riding programs and with the summer camp program. 

“I love working in the lessons for the therapeutic riding program for special needs children who are learning to ride,” said Casola. “I can’t put into words how I feel watching them work together. I love children and the fact that horses know how to help the children who need it the most is amazing and makes me happy.”

Casola credits her Catholic education on teaching her the importance of helping others.  She is in the French Club and is a member of the French Honor Society at SJVHS. Following graduation, she will be attending Wilson College in Pennsylvania where she will major in equine science and therapeutic riding.

 All of the Caring Award recipients were required to submit a two minute You Tube video highlighting the reason why they were selected for the award. Here is the link to Casola’s video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHoFUqdNh2k&feature=em-share_video_user.