For Dublin High School senior Jillian Colwell, a New Balance Local Hero is, "someone who is beginning to see and understand the benefit of selflessness and the richness of community spirit." Colwell exhibits both characteristics through leadership in cross country and track and field and volunteering with the local SPCA. She began volunteering with the East Bay SPCA in Dublin nearly three years ago because she says the prevention of animal cruelty is a cause her and her family wholeheartedly believe in.
"I also began volunteering because my high school, Dublin High, encourages its entire student body to choose nonprofit organizations within our community to support, and the EBSPCA and its impressive facility in Dublin was an easy choice for me. My duties as a volunteer have included feeding, cleaning habitats, and providing exercise and companionship for dogs and puppies as my volunteer training is centered around the canine side of the facility. The most rewarding part of volunteering at the EBSPCA, by far, is seeing an animal arrive at the facility harmed by neglect or abuse, and in time, and with expert training and rehabilitation, witnessing that same animal being placed with a loving family and getting that second chance."
Colwell sees the impact giving back has on the community. A friend of hers volunteers and devotes time to teaching and assisting with children who have autism and other learning disabilities. She says in the future she plans to become involved with this organization as well. It's just one step she helps will make a difference.
"It is becoming more and more important to me to give back to my community. I am currently a senior in high school, and looking back over my high school career, I realize my experience was richly rewarding because of my involvement and contribution in different clubs and sports. Contributing to your community, I am learning, is very rewarding, especially if you are able to donate your time and energy in areas you feel passionate about."
"From the moment I joined Coach Williams’ cross country and track teams my freshman year, which was my first exposure to distance running, I was hooked by the passion he had for the sport of running and committed myself to become a better athlete. Three years later, and largely due to his guidance and being a member of his team, I recognize in myself, as well as in my teammates, huge gains as runners as well as the rewarding traits of discipline, dedication, and leadership."
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