Like any volunteer, Alexandria LoFaro expects no recognition.

So when Alexandria, a fifth-grade student at The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, was honored by Disney Dreamers & Doers for her volunteerism, the award came as a shock.

"I was happy and it felt exciting that I could do this," she said.

On May 8, Alexandria was honored as one of 100 finalists at the 25th anniversary of the Disney awards ceremony at Epcot in Orlando.

Rheda Gail Shumate, the school guidance counselor, nominated Alexandria for the award and was thrilled to discover her student was a finalist.

"She's just one of those students who goes above and beyond," Shumate said.
As part of her volunteer work, Alexandria participates in K-Kids, a Kiwanis volunteer club for elementary school students.

"She's really amazing when it comes to thinking about others," Shumate said.

Alexandria's father, Dean LoFaro, agreed.

"She's very motivated," LoFaro said. "She pushes herself to do things."

Watching his daughter receive the Dreamers & Doers award at Disney was a moment of pride for LoFaro and his wife, he said.

"When we got there, it was really neat to see Alex up there on stage," he said.

At the awards ceremony, Paige Hemmis, one of the stars of television's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," presented Alexandria with her award.

"She said congratulations and happy birthday, because my birthday was the day after (the ceremony)," Alexandria said.

Although Alexandria is already an award-winning volunteer, she said her days of service are far from over.

Shumate envisions Alexandria growing into a strong helper in both middle school and high school.

"I feel very strongly that we're sending a very capable young woman into middle school," Shumate said.


Source: http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/a...villages01.txt