On October 9, 2024, SOHO received the Champion of Mentoring Award from Mentor Virginia! This award recognizes organizations embodying the spirit of building positive relationships and strengthening communities throughout Virginia. Maddy, a SOHO Club 7th grader, along with her mentor Danielle, her mother April, and grandmother Angie, made the trip to Richmond to accept the award on behalf of SOHO. They selected their outfits to represent SOHO: Danielle, April, and Angie all dressed in purple, and Maddy wore butterfly clips in her hair. It was a proud moment for everyone involved.
Maddy: “I was excited to accept the award for SOHO. It was my first time speaking in front of a large group. I practiced my speech before the awards ceremony but I was still really nervous before speaking. It helped to have my mentor standing next to me. My biggest lesson from that day was that I should always believe in myself no matter what. I can do hard things.”
Danielle: “It was an honor to accept an award on behalf of SOHO alongside Maddy. Witnessing her overcome her nervousness before delivering her speech and then seeing the joy on her face as she received a standing ovation is a moment I will cherish forever. I am truly honored to be part of her journey.”
April: “Seeing Maddy accept an award on behalf of SOHO filled me with pride and joy. It was a reminder of how far she’s come in finding her voice and making an impact on others.”
Angie: “As Madison’s grandmother I was very happy to see the entire audience give a hardy applause and a standing ovation after the speeches Madison and her mentor Danielle gave when accepting the award.”
