“There are many reasons it’s important be involved in one’s community. For me, it shows that I have pride in my community and that I want to make it better,” says David Trepagnier, a senior at Brother Martin High School.
Trepagnier visits the elderly at St. Joseph’s Nursing home and Jefferson Healthcare Center. He feels the most rewarding part of visiting these two facilities was the feeling after meeting with the residents. He would visit with the residents but would face an issue when some of the residents couldn’t speak English, didn’t want company or had Alzheimer’s.
“The saddest part was that most residents never had visitors, family or friends,” says Trepagnier. “There were people that hadn’t seen a single family member in 25 years. Being able to make a person in a situation like this feel better was one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve had.”
Trepagnier acknowledges the Brothers of the Sacred Heart as those who mentored and influenced him into becoming a student activist. “The Brothers are founded on helping others,” he says, “they do it everyday, and that’s truly inspirational. They are always looking to help others, unconditionally. Just trying to be like that makes me better and everyone around me.”
Through volunteering, Trepagnier has gained a sense of responsibility and love for humanity. He has created a responsible commitment to his obligations. He now spends life worrying less about himself and more about others. By helping those who are less unfortunate, he learns to love life more.
At Brother Martin, Trepagnier is involved in a number of school activities, including serving as: a Varsity Cheerleader, NJROTC Company Commander, NJROTC Armed Drill Team Commander, Student Recruiter, a member of the Dionysians, Student Ambassador E-board Member, Eucharistic Minister, Student Minister, Student Council Member and a member of the Conlin Crazies. Outside of Brother Martin, he is also a St. Matthew Eucharistic Minister and Alter Server, Teen Ambassador Against Crime and a Crimestopper.
This upcoming summer, Trepagnier is attending the Brothers of the Sacred Heart’s mission in Arizona, which ministers to and houses American Indians. He ultimately wants to take a mission trip to Africa with the Brothers and to attend Louisiana State University, where he wants to go to law or dental school.
