Marty Bidwell and Dustin Sheppard Share Morris Volunteer Service Award

Two student-athletes recognized for their efforts in working with elementary school students

Dustin Sheppard (left) and Marty Bidwell have been chosen to share the 2008 J. Howard Morris and Josephine L. Morris Volunteer Service Award.

WOOSTER, Ohio - As student-athletes at The College of Wooster, Marty Bidwell and Dustin Sheppard have precious little free time, but that hasn't stopped them from reaching out to help others in need. Bidwell, a junior business economics major from Middletown, Ohio, and Sheppard, a junior philosophy major from Johnstown, Ohio, each coordinate program houses through the Wooster Volunteer Network, and both were recognized for their efforts this week when they were presented with the J. Howard Morris and Josephine L. Morris Volunteer Service Award.

Bidwell and five of his teammates from the Scot basketball team volunteer at nearby Lincoln Way Elementary School, where they mentor and read to students twice a week. "Each of us has been assigned one student, and we've become good friends with them," said Bidwell. "We feel very blessed by so many things in our lives, so to be able to volunteer and give something back is important to all of us."

Sheppard, a member of the Scot football team, and his five housemates volunteer in a similar program at Apple Creek Elementary School, where they assist third graders during recess and over lunch. "I've never done anything like this before, but it has been a very rewarding experience," said Sheppard, noting that he has really embraced Wooster's commitment to volunteerism. "Most of my time has been devoted to schoolwork and sports, so to be involved in a program like this has meant a lot to me."

The Wooster Volunteer Network selected Bidwell and Sheppard for the Morris Award because of their dedication, commitment, and personal character, according to Kate Quinlivan, vice chair of the Wooster Volunteer Network. In addition to receiving individual plaques and a marker denoting their name in Lowry Center, each will receive a check of $150, which they have chosen to donate back to their respective schools. The award money will be used to purchase books and other supplies for the children and volunteers at the two schools.

Both Bidwell and Sheppard befriended students at their respective schools, and both now serve as role models for the two boys. “Marty has been a wonderful volunteer,” said Lorraine Boreman of Lincoln Way. “He has been working with a special fourth grader, and he has set a wonderful example. Marty’s student has really benefited from his academic support and friendship. Many of the staff members have commented on the wonderful relationship between Marty and Reggie.”

Jen Rooker, a third-grade teacher at Apple Creek, expressed similar sentiments about Sheppard. "Dustin has gone above and beyond in his role as a volunteer," said Rooker. "He has been working with a disabled student, and he's really encouraged him to participate in activities with other students. It's amazing how well Dustin and his fellow volunteers have worked with our students, especially considering that they are not accustomed to working with children of that age."

The J. Howard Morris and Josephine L. Morris Volunteer Service Award was established in 1998 and is presented each year to a student (or students) judged to have excelled in volunteer service through the Wooster Volunteer Network. That student earns the right to direct the prize to the charity of his or her choice and is the College's nominee for the national Howard Swearer Student Humanitarian Award.