HELENA – Carroll College student Hailey James was recently awarded the Montana Student Volunteer Award by the Montana Campus Compact in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Service. This honor is awarded to select college students across the state who have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities. James was one of twelve Montana college students to receive this award.
“Service is one of the most important things in my life,” said James. “I love being able to serve my community whenever possible and feel so blessed by the relationships that have resulted from volunteering. I would not have received this award without the support of Carroll College and the wonderful staff who have dedicated their lives to the students. I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had to serve the Helena community and for the joy it has brought into my life.”
A junior biology major on the pre-med track with a Catholic studies minor from Helena, James has been an active volunteer for years with a special compassion for serving the elderly in the Helena community. Most recently, James established and organized “Carroll Cares” at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. The student-led program runs errands and delivers necessary items to the elderly and immunosuppressed populations in the Helena area. They have been able to serve over 20 community members and partnered with Van’s Thriftway to deliver grocery orders three times a week.
In addition, James leads weekly student visits to a local nursing home, has participated in Good Samaritan Ministries and the Cathedral of St. Helena’s Christmas Giving Tree program for over a decade and assists with the youth group at Saint Mary’s Catholic Community. She has also participated in service outreach projects with both the Justice Outreach Project on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation as well as a Carroll Headlights trip to Chicago through Campus Ministry.
“These young Montanans embody the spirit of service that is at the core of our values as a state,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “This year, more than ever, we need folks like these students who get out there and work to effect positive change in their communities. This is only the start of what is likely a lifelong commitment to service, and I cannot wait to see what each accomplishes in the upcoming years.”
Sponsoring partners:
The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and community volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service.
Montana Campus Compact advances the public purposes of colleges and universities by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility.
