POTD: January 09

Information from the Brookville Star.

Ice show honors local girl for her community service
by
January 14, 2009
Brookville High School teacher Becky Maggard was pleased when one of her students Samantha “Sami” Utrup took charge of a class project to raise money to help less fortunate families at Christmas time.The 14-year-old freshman not only encouraged her fellow classmates to donate their loose change for the “Penny Wars” competition between classes but she brought in money from her allowance and personal savings and from what she earned through babysitting.It wasn’t until after the project ended and $140 in gas and grocery gift cards were purchased and given to two needy families that it was learned that just a couple of years ago, it was her family that was on the receiving end.What could have been a bleak Christmas became a joyous one when the kindness of others made it possible for her parents and six siblings to have gifts and food during the holidays.It was this generosity that she will never forget and she made certain this year that others would experience it too.When Maggard learned the promoters of Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour were giving out an award to teens for community service, she nominated Utrup.Last Friday night, just minutes before the opening of the show at Hara Arena in Trotwood, Utrup was presented the Star Dazzle Award.The Star Dazzle Award was inspired by the award given in the movie High School Musical 2 and Utrup is one of only a handful of children in the United States to receive this award for their work in the community. In the movie, Ryan Evans was given the award by his sister, Sharpay, for the work he did putting together the number for the East High Wildcats to perform at the Lava Springs Country Club Talent Show.The only production to showcase the story, music and choreography of both hit Disney Channel Original Movies, The Ice Tour will now feature a high-energy High School Musical 3: Senior Year Special Bonus Experience, exclusive to Ice Tour ticket-holders. The video and live-action bonus pre-show experience includes behind-the-scenes footage from the new movie High School Musical 3: Senior Year and a one-of-a-kind sing-a-long dance party.Attending Friday night’s award presentation and performance with Sami were her parents, Dave and Jill Utrup, two of her siblings, Jason and Sage, and best friends Katie Smith and Emilee Smith. Maggard and BHS secretary Jenni Phillips also sat with them.

Sami runs track and is a member of the Brookville FFA Chapter and Los Cahbahyos 4-H Club.