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PQ’s Rachele Dusa Helps Needy Students

Posted on February 2, 2012
Rachele Dusa

An 11-year-old Rancho Peñasquitos student has made it her project to help needy elementary children in the Philippines. Rachele Dusa started the community service project when she was 10 after her maternal grandfather, Jess Vasallo, told her of his vision to help the children at the Caingan School in the Philippines. She learned of the needs of the school – located in a poor neighborhood – and felt the immediate need to assist. She enlisted the help of her relatives and friends from her Girl Scout Troop 8422. Collection of school supplies was just the beginning of her quest to enable the children at the school to have a higher quality of life in and out of the school environment.

Because of her outreach to these disadvantaged children, Rachele has received a plethora of recognition. The Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council selected her to receive an award presented to students who excel in community service. Shortly after that honor, Rachele was among 200 out of 37,000 nominees nationwide who received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program.

“I was excited and didn’t know what to say,” Rachele said when she learned that she had won a scholarship for her community service.

“From feeding the homeless at a local shelter, collecting goods for the less fortunate, or volunteering time at a community garden, these kids are making a huge impact on communities nationwide,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We are inspired by their stories and are thrilled to recognize their service.” Since 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 13,000 youth volunteers and distributed more than $2.6 million in scholarships and prizes. For details, go to www.kohlskids.com.