Cameron Ponder, a senior at Cabrini High School, has always enjoyed participating in and giving back to her community.
Every year, Ponder volunteers at the Colonial Oaks Nursing Center. Volunteering at the Nursing Center strengthens her leadership skills that she uses in her other organizations.
“The people that reside at the nursing home have so much faith and are so kind, it’s hard not to leave there without a smile on your face,” says Ponder. “It is such a great experience to be able to meet people with such a different outlook on life and to provide for them.”
Ponder’s religion teacher, Nadine Pizer, encouraged and supported Ponder through all of her volunteer decisions and achievements. Pizer led Ponder through her faith and taught her how to be a great friend and an even better student. Ponder looks at her as a role model because, as she says, Pizer is inspiring, compassionate and sincere.
Ponder also serves as Secretary on the Student Council Executive Board, as well as an Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, Campus Ministry Retreat Team member and the President of Students Against Drugs and Alcohol at Cabrini. Outside of school, Ponder is a member of Teen C.R.O.S.S. and Teen Ambassadors Against Crime.
Ponder has also participated in various programs that have helped her decide what to do after high school. Before graduating college, Ponder wants to go on mission trips, especially to Thailand. At college, she wants major in Political Science and continue on to law school.
“I believe that it’s vital to give back to the community, and serving others is important to me,” she says. “I want to serve others by practicing family law and participate in pro bono work as a lawyer for those who can’t afford to be represented.”
Becoming a lawyer has always been a dream of Ponder’s. Once she visited Washington, D.C. and completed the Suit Up for the Future Internship program, sponsored by the Louisiana State Bar Association, she knew she wanted to pursue law as her career path. “These experiences have been so amazing and such a blessing. Traveling to Washington, D.C., was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I met so many new people from around the country and learned so much.”
