Elder Community Service – Elder Serves Council

My AI assistant created this poem for Brady:

Busy with life, or so we presume,
Ready to serve and make some room,
Asked for a profile, but gave us a clue—
Deadlines are important, Brady, that’s true!
You’ll have another chance to tell us about you!

Brecken’s is a senior whose interests include marching band, steel band, jazz band, competitive disc golf, soccer, and, somehow, finding time for service and mission trips. He serves as president of the band and has been involved with Western Wildlife Corridor, multiple mission trips to Louisa, Kentucky, and a trip to Mexico. Brecken started doing service partly because he wanted to beat the service-hour totals of older friends—but somewhere along the way, it became a genuine passion. He believes a service leader doesn’t tell people what to do; instead, he invites them into the experience and creates opportunities for them to serve. His goal this year is to create service opportunities that continue even after he graduates.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be an aerospace test engineer at GE Aerospace and spending his free time playing disc golf with his kids—and introducing them to service. His favorite book is The Maze Runner, his favorite movies are The Hunger Games trilogy, and his walk-up song would be NF’s Paid My Dues. Somehow, we suspect his schedule will still be full.

Dylan is a senior who enjoys lifting weights, running, spending time outdoors, and playing guitar. He has already been involved in bed builds, Street Team cleanups, and Western Wildlife Corridor projects. Dylan believes a service leader is someone who goes above and beyond the average student and sets an example for younger students. This year, he hopes to spend a significant amount of his free time helping at Elder events, bed builds, and other opportunities in the community—and he plans to bring others along with him.

Ten years from now, Dylan expects life to be busy, but he hopes service will still be part of it, whether he’s helping at homeless shelters, working with the elderly, or serving wherever he is needed. His favorite book is The Great Gatsby, his favorite movie is Forrest Gump, and his walk-up song would be Ode by Creed.

Lincoln is a senior who enjoys riding dirt bikes, working on engines, and spending time on the boat he restored himself. His service resume is just as hands-on: Lincoln has planned and attended numerous Western Wildlife Corridor events, participated in multiple Kentucky mission trips and a Mexico trip, helped with annual coat and toy drives, and even helped teach band to grade school students. Lincoln believes service leadership means leading by example and helping others before looking out for yourself. This year, he hopes to step outside his comfort zone by getting involved in new projects such as the Cross Ministry and Street Team.

Ten years from now, he sees himself with a successful engineering career, a wife, a few kids, and continued involvement in parish service. His favorite book is Fahrenheit 451, his favorite movie is Interstellar, and his walk-up song would be Wannabe by Gavin Adcock. Yes, that is quite a combination.

Brody is a senior who has somehow managed to fit an impressive amount into his high school career. He is an Elder ambassador, an ESLC team member, tennis player, pickleball enthusiast, Purple Quill business team member, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society member, and an employee at UPS. He also enjoys football games and spending time with friends. Brody has served with Western Wildlife Corridor and Meals on Wheels, where he particularly enjoyed packing meals. He believes a service leader is someone who is present and ready to serve, giving time and talents without expecting anything in return while encouraging others to do the same. This year, he hopes to participate in many different service activities, build relationships, and inspire others to get involved.

Ten years from now, Brody hopes to be working in accounting, enjoying a career he loves, traveling, and raising a family. His favorite series is Percy Jackson, his favorite movie is Top Gun: Maverick—which he has apparently watched 20 times—and his walk-up song would be Seven Nation Army.

Zach is a senior who loves serving his community, working as a lifeguard, weightlifting, leading a junior-high youth group, and—perhaps most importantly—caffeine. Zach has an impressive service resume that includes the Ronald McDonald House, A Child’s Hope International, Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed builds, the Victory Food Drive, youth group retreats, Tender Mercies, and tutoring students at Oyler Elementary. Zach believes service leadership means putting others before yourself, sacrificing your time and energy, identifying problems, and doing whatever you can to help. His goal for this school year is ambitious: he wants to do more service than in any previous year at Elder, try new opportunities, and organize events.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be a pharmaceutical representative, a strong leader, and someone whose life is filled with service and devotion to God. His favorite book is The Great Gatsby, his favorite movie is The Dark Knight, and his walk-up song would be Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. That’s a pretty energetic soundtrack for someone who plans to stay busy.

Ethan is a senior who has discovered that life can apparently include swimming, tennis, fishing, video games, working out, community service—and making ice cream at Hello Honey. Ethan has been involved in numerous Elder service activities, including working track meets, coat and toy drives, the St. Antoninus fish fry, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed builds. He believes a service leader leads by example rather than simply telling others what to do. For Ethan, that means doing the same work as everyone else, helping when needed, and never being the bossy guy in charge.

Looking ten years into the future, Ethan hopes to have a family of his own and still be serving his community—and perhaps bringing his kids along so they grow up with the same commitment to service. His favorite book is Holes, his favorite movie is Good Will Hunting, and his walk-up song would be Enter Sandman. Apparently, even Ethan’s imaginary baseball career comes with a little Metallica.

Sawyer is a junior whose interests include drawing, nature, animals, horror movies, and Marvel. He has also had eight surgeries over the years, joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and once organized a toy drive that collected $3,000 worth of toys. His service experience is extensive, including Western Wildlife Corridor, Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed builds, Mack’s Toy Drive, the Elder Toy Shop, Illuminight, and many other events. Sawyer believes true service leadership means never considering any task beneath you. A leader works alongside everyone else, treats people with respect, and understands that even the smallest jobs can help build character. This year, he hopes to continue serving at both the big events and the smaller, less-recognized opportunities.

Ten years from now, he hopes service will still be part of his life—not something he did simply to look good for college. His favorite book is Dracula, his favorite movie is The Odyssey, and his walk-up song would be Give Me Your Lovin’ by Oobie.

Jackson Cafeo is a senior at Elder and a member of the ESC who knows a thing or two about teamwork—he plays lacrosse and even has a twin brother! Jackson has a strong desire to give back and make someone’s day a little more special. For him, community service is all about serving the needs of others, and he believes a true service leader is someone who takes every opportunity to help.

Jackson has some pretty big plans for the future, too. When he looks ahead ten years, he sees himself as a physical therapist with a happy family. Until then, he’s happy to keep making a difference wherever he can. And if you ever need a good walk-up song, Jackson has already made his choice: “Blister in the Sun.” As for his favorite movie? The original Spider-Man. Clearly, Jackson appreciates the classics!

Theo is a junior who plays guitar and runs cross country. He has served with the Antoninus Athletic Club, helping make sure younger athletes have the equipment and facilities they need. For Theo, service leadership is an opportunity to practice leading while getting things done and creating a positive experience for others. Looking ahead to graduation, Theo hopes people will remember him as someone who was dependable, productive, and positive.

Ten years from now, he hopes to have finished law school and be working at a law firm. His favorite book is And Then There Were None, his favorite movie is Elvis, and his walk-up song would be Valerie. Clearly, Theo is bringing a little variety to the hypothetical ballpark.

Johnny is a junior who plays soccer and has already discovered that service can take many forms. He has helped coach younger soccer players and has volunteered downtown to help people in need of food. Johnny believes being a service leader means putting others first and guiding them. This year, he hopes to be known as someone who is always willing to help and pays attention to what is happening around him.

Ten years from now, Johnny hopes to be running his own electrical company while continuing to give back to charity. His commitment to service comes from personal experience—he knows what it feels like to need help, and he wants to return the kindness that others have shown him.

Connor is a junior who runs cross country and track, loves watching sports—especially Ohio State football—and enjoys movies, television, and Bruno Mars. His service experience includes Night for the Fight, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Coats for Kids, and Mom & Son Service Days. Connor believes a service leader leads by example, puts others first, listens, takes responsibility, and works hard alongside the team. This year, he hopes to take advantage of every opportunity to serve, including Klusman Service Days, Night for the Fight, Elder & Seton Service Days, and plenty of others.

Ten years from now, Connor hopes to have built a successful and meaningful life while staying true to his values, remaining involved in his community, and continuing to make a positive impact. His favorite book is The Son of Neptune, his favorite movie is Interstellar, and his walk-up song would be Kanye West’s Can’t Tell Me Nothing.

Reese is a junior who enjoys swimming, getting good grades, working hard, and—of course—serving others. Reese has volunteered with the TRAM food pantry, Special Olympics, the YMCA, Cincinnati Zoo, Art Connects, People Working Cooperatively, Queen City Book Bank, and Crayons to Computers. During this school year, Reese hopes to continue serving while also taking on leadership roles as Vice President of the Ambassador Club and President of the French Honor Society. Reese believes service leadership means consistently helping people who need it and putting smiles on their faces.

Looking ten years into the future, Reese hopes to still be involved with Elder alumni and continuing a commitment to service. The favorite book is Project Hail Mary, the favorite movie is Spider-Man, and the walk-up song is Thunderstruck—which seems like an appropriate soundtrack for someone who plans to keep moving.

Tristen is a junior whose interests cover a pretty impressive range: music, working out, STEM projects, Marvel movies—and apparently being Chipotle’s number-one customer. Tristen has led food and coat drives, participated in St. Vincent de Paul coat drives, organized groups for Night for the Fight, and regularly helps neighbors with snow removal and other difficult tasks. He believes service leadership means stepping up, leading by example, and encouraging others to do the same—not doing service for recognition, but because it makes the community better. This year, Tristen hopes to introduce even more classmates to service and become known not only as a student-athlete, but as someone who makes a difference by helping others.

Ten years from now, he hopes to have an engineering degree, a strong foundation for his family, and plenty of connections in his community. His favorite book is The Giver, his favorite movie is A Bronx Tale, and his walk-up song would be Return of the Mack. That sounds like someone who has already planned the entrance.

Benjamin is a sophomore who enjoys Legos, sports, learning new things, working with his hands, and meeting people. His service experience includes working admissions and parking at the 4-H fair, helping at his grade school’s festival, sorting and donating books through Side by Side, and working at Nate’s Toybox. Benjamin believes a service leader takes charge, encourages others to participate, and organizes people to meet the needs of the community. This year, he hopes to lead others while also doing his own part to help those who are less fortunate.

Ten years from now, Benjamin hopes to have a mechanical engineering degree from UC and to have helped lead plenty of community service projects along the way. His favorite book series is The Lord of the Rings, his favorite movie is Die Hard, and his walk-up song would be Symptom of Being Human by Shinedown.

Mathew “Chewy” is a sophomore who loves golf, hockey, school, service, and, above all else, Dr. Pepper. In fact, Chewy’s enthusiasm for Dr. Pepper is impressive enough to include shirts, hoodies, jackets, socks, and even his own dedicated Dr. Pepper refrigerator. Fortunately, his commitment to service is just as strong. He has participated in Sleep in Heavenly Peace deliveries and bed builds, the Cross Ministry, Street Team, St. Vincent de Paul coat and toy drives, and Western Wildlife Corridor. Chewy believes a service leader should lead with passion and enthusiasm while helping less-experienced volunteers and listening to suggestions.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be working in a hospital pharmacy, living in his own apartment, enjoying a regular income, and—hopefully—free of student loans and other debt. His favorite book is The Outsiders, his favorite movie is The Backrooms, and his walk-up song is Enter Sandman. We assume the Dr. Pepper fridge will still be with him.

Drew is a sophomore who somehow manages to stay busy nearly every day. He is a member of the drumline, runs cross country, and enjoys music, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. His service experience includes working the grill and concession stands at Our Lady of the Visitation sporting events, serving as a Bridge Program ambassador, and helping sort clothes at Matthew 25 Ministries. Drew believes a service leader goes beyond simply showing up—they make a difference for the people around them and help others discover how rewarding service can be. His goal for this school year? Get involved in just about everything. In fact, Drew says there wasn’t a day he went home at 2:30 because he always had something to do after school.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be able to say that he made a difference wherever life took him. His favorite movie is Top Gun: Maverick, but if he’s ever drafted into Major League Baseball, expect to hear Pearl Jam’s Even Flow as he walks to the plate.

Abram is a freshman who plays tennis, sings in Glee Club, and serves at funerals, weddings, and Sunday Masses. While he admits he doesn’t have a ton of service experience yet, Abram clearly has the right attitude: he loves doing things for others and wants to encourage others to get involved as well. He defines service leadership as guiding and encouraging people to serve. By the end of this school year, Abram hopes to have participated in as much service as possible and made a difference for people at Elder and beyond. He even hopes to take that commitment to Mexico on a mission trip.

Ten years from now, Abram envisions himself as a Cincinnati police officer after studying at the University of Dayton and attending the police academy. His favorite book is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and if he ever gets a chance to play professional baseball, his walk-up song will be Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.

Chase is a freshman, a three-sport athlete, a fan of building things, and—apparently—a very experienced Disney World traveler, having visited nine times. He has already helped with Lourdes sports tournaments and wants to become much more involved in service at Elder. Chase believes service leadership means helping those in need, building others up, and giving to others. He hopes that this year people will notice him not only participating in service, but working hard and leading by example.

Ten years from now, Chase imagines spending plenty of time with family and taking vacations, although he admits he may not have much free time. His favorite book is The Hunger Games, his favorite movie is Remember the Titans, and his walk-up song would be Mr. Brightside. After nine trips to Disney World, we’re guessing he knows a thing or two about making an entrance.

Mark is a freshman who loves reading the Bible, praying, playing lacrosse, lifting weights, and—according to Mark himself—being the biggest Los Angeles Chargers fan on the planet. He has already served with City Gospel, In Return, and Matthew 25 Ministries, helping with everything from serving breakfast to the homeless to assisting people with disabilities and sorting donations. Mark believes service is a way to grow closer to God and discover more about yourself, and he hopes to show others how meaningful service can be.

Looking ten years ahead, Mark hopes to be continuing that mission long after graduation, because he believes the job of serving others doesn’t stop when you leave Elder. His favorite book is The Son of Neptune, his favorite movie is Inception, and his walk-up song would be Metallica’s Fade to Black. The Chargers, however, may have to work on their game plan.

Noah is a freshman with a pretty interesting collection of interests—and animals. Soccer is his favorite sport, Ohio State is his favorite college, and at home he has pigs, chickens, and peacocks. Noah has already gotten involved in service by helping organize a canned food drive and volunteering at his grandmother’s food pantry. He believes being a service leader means taking responsibility and making a positive impact on both people and the community. This year, Noah hopes to participate in as many service activities as possible, showing up with a good attitude and encouraging others along the way.

Ten years from now, he hopes to look back and see a long list of ways he has continued helping people in need. His favorite book is QB1 by Mike Lupica, his favorite movie is Happy Gilmore, and if Noah ever makes it to the Major Leagues, you can expect The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army to be playing as he heads to the plate.

Jack is a freshman who enjoys volleyball, watching football, and spending time with family and friends. He is also carrying on a bit of an Elder family tradition—his dad and brother are both Elder graduates. Jack has already helped with food drives through school and is looking forward to becoming more involved in service. To Jack, a service leader is someone willing to step up, take charge, and help the community grow. His goal this year is simple: show up to as many service events as possible and be the person who helps rather than the person who watches.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be able to talk about his career, family, and the ways he has continued helping others. His favorite movie is Happy Gilmore, and his walk-up song would be Zach Bryan’s Burn, Burn, Burn. And, of course, there is one more important member of the family: Jack’s dog, who is turning 10 in October.

Declan Kipp is a senior who loves sports, works hard, plays volleyball, and spends as much time as possible working with the Elder News Network. He has already been involved in flower sales and helping his parish, but for Declan, service is about much more than simply checking off volunteer hours. He loves serving the people around him and making their lives better, and he believes being a service leader means knowing that your efforts are directly helping someone in need. This year, Declan hopes others will see someone who is willing to put in the work and make a difference.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be successful, enjoying a great life while continuing to make other people’s lives better. His favorite book is The Hunger Games, his favorite movie is The Sandlot, and if he ever makes it to the Major Leagues, expect Steve Miller Band’s The Joker to be playing as he walks to the plate. Not a bad soundtrack for someone who plans to keep working hard and helping others.

Ryan Mueller is a senior who loves volleyball, lifting weights, collecting sports cards, hanging out with friends, and—perhaps most importantly—Xavier basketball. In fact, Ryan goes to almost every home game, so if there is a big game at Cintas Center, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find him there. Ryan’s commitment to service started in grade school through the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, where he would spend days off from school with his grandpa packing boxes for American troops and remembering soldiers who had been lost. For Ryan, community service is more than simply volunteering—it is part of his calling as a Christian to serve those who are less fortunate and work toward justice. He believes a service leader leads by example and helps make the community a better place for everyone. This year, Ryan hopes to get involved in opportunities such as Mother & Son Service Days and the Turkey Fry.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be able to tell his Elder classmates about his college days, career, family, and—most importantly—that he is still actively involved in his community. His favorite book is Percy Jackson, his favorite movies are Step Brothers and Billy Madison, and if he ever makes it to the Major Leagues, he has narrowed his walk-up music down to Kip Moore’s The Bull or Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue. That’s quite a soundtrack for a Xavier basketball fan who apparently doesn’t miss many games.

Ian is a freshman who keeps things pretty simple: he likes football and believes community service is about helping people who need it. His early service experience includes participating in Builders Club and helping at Matthew 25 Ministries. Ian sees a service leader as someone who helps people in need, and he hopes to become more involved in service throughout his time at Elder.

Ten years from now, he hopes to be working, spending time with his family, and—most importantly—continuing to help those who are less fortunate. When he’s not serving, Ian’s musical tastes include Sean Paul’s Give It Up to Me and Lil Tecca’s Never Left. A pretty solid soundtrack for a young man just getting started.