Daily Point of Light

Alyssa Hersey is a perfect example that change can start with anyone, anywhere, at anytime.  A young teen that excels at her school work, Alyssa has used her passion for change to inspire her peers  through her organization USE IT, U can Serve Everywhere, Involve your Talent. Alyssa has been taught the importance of giving back since the tender age of 8.  As she recalls on her website, “My parents have always demonstrated giving back and have shown me and my siblings that volunteering starts at home and there are no efforts too small.” 

The debate about healthcare is on everyone’s tongue these days. However, Jack McConnell, decided to give me than lip service, and took a hands on approach to help his fellow Americans without health insurance, and gave a new sense of purpose to his fellow retired medical professionals. After retiring, Dr. McConnell moved to Hilton Head, SC to relax and enjoy a couple rounds of golf. He would often offer rides to “locals” walking to and from work as landscapers, construction workers, and restaurant servers.

Since starting the Tres Islas Orphanage Fund 23 years ago, Donelle has been gainfully employed full-time, working every after-hour waking minute serving the children of orphanages in Mazatlan, Mexico. She spends her evenings, weekends and vacation time tirelessly emailing, writing newspaper articles, budgeting, fund raising and visiting the orphaned children in Mazatlan, Mexico. She is an ardent advocate for all the children in the orphanages, always seeking ways to improve their quality of life. 

Kathleen Conner is the President of Angie’s Spa, a one-of-a-kind corporation that provides free spa services for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Kathleen is a cancer patient herself, also receiving chemotherapy. Her hospital doesn’t provide the spa services that her organization does, but she spends her time fundraising, strategizing and marketing to reach her goal of opening up Angie’s Spa centers in hospitals throughout the country. She works tirelessly to reach this so that other cancer patients don’t have to cope with chemotherapy un-pampered.

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (Newport Division) is solidifying America’s future by educating our young about the endless possibilities of having a career in engineering and science.  Eliminating the gap between science and our youth is an imperative step in solidifying America’s future within the global economy. With help from the Chief of Naval Operations, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division of Newport developed formal Mathematics and Science Educational Outreach Program.