Ramsey Teen Named Volunteer Of The Year

RAMSEY, NJ —To say that Tara McDonald is busy is a bit of an understatement.

McDonald's devotion to community service and coaching youth sports has earned her the Ramsey Is For Everyone's 2018 Volunteer of the Year award.

McDonald, a junior at the Academy of Holy Angels in Demarest, coaches youth soccer, basketball, and softball players and works with children with special needs.

"I found one-on-one coaching and working with the special needs children and seeing them improve on their skill and confidence is the most rewarding, and makes it all worthwhile to me," McDonald said

McDonald also helps coordinate all of RIFE's social events, including holiday parties, karaoke, and bingo nights, and the annual gala.

RIFE strives to provide an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for local citizens with disabilities, and promotes a physically accessible environment that allows residents to live their lives.

"When I got the letter saying I won this award, I was overwhelmed with happiness and was so grateful to receive it," McDonald said.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Tara McDonald, 18 (Courtesy of Academy of Holy Angels)