On a recent Saturday morning, I had the opportunity to interview Giovanna "Gigi" Guarnieri, a sophomore at Reservoir High School. I had heard about Gigi from RHS Principal Pat Saunderson and was intrigued by what I had heard. I contacted Gigi through the school and with her mother's permission, arranged a time for us to meet. Gigi chose the meeting place, Sidamo Coffee and Tea in Maple Lawn Farms and was accompanied by her mom, Cynthia. The café was abuzz with patrons, more crowded than I think I have ever seen it. Gigi told me that I'd be able to recognize her because she'd be wearing a gray scarf. She and her mom were seated at a window table and were being entertained by a toddler. After a brief greeting, I asked if they wanted anything and Gigi told me that she had already ordered.
One character trait I noticed about Gigi during the interview is that she gives her undivided attention to whomever is speaking. And she smiles with her eyes. Gigi is one of the rarities in today's hectic and mobile society — a Howard County native. Not only is this true but even more amazing is the fact that she has lived in the same house on the same street all her life. Talk about roots running deep! Her parents are transplants from upstate New York, one from Auburn and the other from Gloversville and came to this area when her dad Salvatore, known as Sam, got a job with what used to be Westinghouse over by BWI. Gigi's parents were always very supportive both of her and her older brother Sam. They allowed her to pursue whatever her interests were — ballet, soccer or dance and gave her all the support and encouragement they could. In middle school, she got interested in a group called School Girls Unite (www.SchoolGirlsUnite.org) and became an active force in the group.
This has carried through to high school where Gigi along with classmates Maria Janush, Sophia Sommerkamp and Lauren DeLong co-founded Global Equality Now, of which she is co-president. SGU comprises member groups from the U.S. and Mali, Africa, whose mission is "to tackle prejudice against girls worldwide and expand their freedom and opportunities through education and leadership." The RHS club has approximately 30 regular members and meets on the first Thursday of each month. She is a member of the JV field hockey team and, as a freshman, made the varsity tennis team. In addition to academics and sports, Gigi works as an intern for the League of Women Voters of Howard County in Columbia, even attending a state-wide symposium on voting. She has been published four times so far. Gigi contributed a section titled "The Journal to Equality" in a recently published book, Stand Up Now! a collection of articles about young activists who have inspired change in their world. Currently, Gigi is working on an independent research project for school on deafness in sub-Saharan Africa.
Asked what her dream colleges are, she replied, "Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and Columbia University (NYC). I hope to study science —- maybe biology". I asked her if she considers herself an activist. "Yes, I suppose I do" she replied. I knew I didn't have to ask her mom Cynthia a final question but I asked anyway. "Any final words, mom"? "We are very proud of Gigi and all that she has done so far" she concluded. I think her dad was smiling at Gigi from heaven.
During the recent Highland Day celebration there were volunteers walking around in period costumes, handing out pamphlets containing some of the history of the Highland crossroads. Strolling around the area was two of these volunteers, Rachel Bailey and Linda Nguyen. Both of these young ladies attend Reservoir High School. One of their teachers, Giselle Cooke, told them about the opportunity to participate and that the hours would count toward their community service hours. Neither Rachel nor Linda needed the hours but that didn't stop them from volunteering. I saw them several more times throughout the day, handing out the pamphlets, chatting with people, and looking like they were having a grand old time. Thank you for your willingness to get involved. Three cheers for Rachel and Linda.
At Lime Kiln Middle School, congratulations are in order for the students of the week for the week ending October 18: Kory Long, E.J. (Edward) Sweet, Jasmine Frey, Kartik Saini, Andre Jobst, Megan Smith, Lake Frey, Zhurri Cannon, Pauline Comising and Brandon Keller.
Happy Halloween! Commit that random act of kindness. Remember our military members who are standing the watch.