May 12, 2008 By Bryan O'Keefe For The 4 min read

(Editor’s note: This is the seventh in a series of eight stories)While most high school students look forward to the summer as a time to relax and unwind from the long school year, Emmy Lou Derryberry used the time off from school instead to pursue community service. The Albert Gallatin High School senior has spent the past three summers at several camps, serving as a camp counselor, cook and house painter, among other duties. Derryberry said that the drive to make a difference in others lives lead her to give up much of her own free time.

“I have been blessed with a passion for helping others. It is a goal in life in life to make a difference in the world,” Derryberry said.

Derryberry certainly did make a difference in the summer of 2006 when she volunteered at the Mid-Ohio Valley Work Camp. While there, she joined other teenagers from across the nation to paint houses for those unable to do so themselves. All told, the camp painted 43 homes in only a week’s time. Derryberry said that it was clear their work helped the less fortunate homeowners.

“It was truly a gratifying experience to watch the owners of the homes with tears in their eyes as they looked at us with appreciation,” Derryberry added.

That wasn’t the only camp where Derryberry dedicated her time. She also worked as a counselor and cook at Camp Concern, located at Raccoon Creek State Park.

Derryberry had previously attended the camp every summer since she was 7 and gladly volunteered to work at the camp when she became of age. She was involved in many daily activities such as teaching bible classes, running a craft hall, leading devotionals, and cooking the camp meals. Most importantly, however, Derryberry was able to spend time with young children and influence their lives.

“It is my goal to be a positive influence and role in the lives of each of them. Kids from different backgrounds are able to escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. They are given love, compassion, friendship, motivation and respect at Camp Concern because the staff know that they deserve it,” Derryberry said.

Derryberry’s community service doesn’t end when the summer concludes. She is also very active at Albert Gallatin High School, serving as a student athletic trainer for four years, a member of the National Honor Society, and yearbook editor. Altogether, her community service has totaled approximately 2,000 hours.

“The world is full of people who need help, support and compassion. I am extremely passionate about making a difference, and even if I only influence one person’s life, or make the smallest impact, it will make all of the time spent worth it,” Derryberry said.

For her volunteer efforts, she has been selected to receive a Fayette County Community Service All-Star Award. She is among eight local students being honored for putting forth an extra effort to make a difference in their communities. The students come from Fayette County’s seven high schools as well as Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.

Ranked twelfth in her class with a 4.01 grade-point average, Derryberry plans to major in nursing at Penn State Fayette, the Eberly Campus. She is the daughter of Roy and Phoebe Derryberry of Smithfield.

Each school selects its own awardee based on the student’s community service endeavors over the last three years. Students must have a minimum 3.25 grade-point average.

The students will receive a $500 check to help them with their college costs. The students can also receive a matching grant from the Community Foundation of Fayette County, depending on certain requirements. The students will be honored at a breakfast at Pechin’s Firehouse restaurant in Dunbar Township on Wednesday.

Members of the organizing committee for the event, including Jes Hutson, John Evans, Leda Gismondi, Dave Meredith, Cindy Digga, James Saul and Mary Ann Leonard, will select a captain who will receive an extra $100. Leonard will also serve as master of ceremonies.

Kenny Hager will be the guest speaker. A student at California University of Pennsylvania, Hager most recently served as a Boy Scout National Representative for the Northeast Region.