HAWS announces Youth Kindness Award Winner

Guest blogger Lynn Olenik, HAWS’ Executive Director, announces the 2014 winner of the Diana Boettcher Youth Community Kindness Award presented by HAWS.

Diana Boettcher was a resident of Oconomowoc throughout her life, caring for the wildlife and the animals of the community for many years. She could be formidable if needed, but held a special spot in her heart for animals, always treating them with kindness and compassion. 

When Diana passed away, her neighbors helped establish an award in her name, to recognize a young person in the community who exhibits kindness towards animals, just as she did. The Diana Boettcher Youth Community Kindness Award is presented each year at HAWS’ annual Pet Walk in May.

This year we had a number of wonderful nominees for this award. As a member of the selection committee I found it difficult to choose just one winner, but this year’s recipient, Sophie Gosetti, definitely deserves the award. Sophie is a member of our Critter Club, where she volunteers as often as the opportunity presents its self. She has been an active volunteer for 2 additional organizations, both focused on animals. For a young person she sets a great example, always putting the animals first and turning down other activities to fulfill her volunteer commitment. She is genuinely happy when handling the animals and even is cheerful during cleaning tasks. 

Sophie sets an example for all of us to follow, in her dedication and kind spirit. Congratulations to Sophie and all of our other nominees!

By the way – while the school year winds down, the learning opportunities at HAWS ramp up! Join us for one of our dog or cat seminars, send the kids to camp at HAWS, become proficient in Pet First Aid, enroll Fido in dog training…get “schooled” at HAWS!