The Tacoma Athlete Commission is excited to announce Henry Stemo as the Stan Naccarato Sports and Civic Betterment Scholarship winner for 2021. Henry wrote, Go ahead and take that cart right there." “I must have repeated that phrase 9,000 times over the years working at the foodbank, yet somehow it never felt repetitive. What started as a selfish endeavor to complete 50 hours of service requirements grew into a genuine dedication to selfless service to others. Volunteering at the Families Unlimited Network food bank, I call it FUN for short, has had the most meaningful impact on my young life.’ I began volunteering for FUN, located in the local church garage just down the street from my house, back in the eighth grade, and I never looked back. Early on, I would help out at FUN whenever I had a free Saturday in my schedule, but I felt there was more I could offer. I quickly noticed that I was the only volunteer under the age of 70, and I could use my youthful manner to brighten up the atmosphere of the foodbank. The old grannies loved it when I would tell jokes or reach the top rack to put the meat onto the shelves too high for their short arms. Soon, many of the customers were having more fun too. It was in these moments that I began to see the meaning of community service. I found that you are genuinely serving when you don't even notice the effect you are having on others, no matter their age or the wage they earn.
Henry Stemp
Curtis High School
2021
Water Polo / Golf