SSHS's Davoudiasl Nominated for Prudential Spirit of Community Award

In between class work and college preparation, South Side High School senior Deana Davoudiasl still finds time to give back.  

In recognition of leading a local chapter of the GlamourGals organization — a volunteer group that inspires teens to provide complimentary makeovers to women living in senior homes —  SSHS's guidance department nominated Davoudiasl for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, which honors middle school and high school students at the local, state and national levels for outstanding service.

During her sophomore year, Davoudiasl had the idea to start a local chapter of GlamourGals.

"I wanted to do volunteer work where I would actually have some human interaction," she said. "I'm lucky that there are super compassionate girls in my school who wanted to join."

After recruiting a faculty advisor and getting approval from a dean to make GlamourGals an official club at SSHS, Davoudiasl partnered with the Maple Pointe Assisted Living Center, where she and her classmates regularly go to do makeovers and spend time with the residents.

Davoudiasl said that just last week she visited the senior home with 15 other girls. "We did manicures for about 30 seniors and helped serve their snack," she explained. "We even had some male seniors that participated so we had to make sure we had some clear nail polish on hand."

Members of the GlamourGals chapter at SSHS have recently expanded their volunteer work beyond just doing makeovers. "We also go and volunteer for bingo and recreation hour and this week we'll be serving food at their annual holiday party," Davoudiasl explained.

"Every year, it always amazes us to hear the stories of what kids have accomplished at such an early age," said Greg Loder, executive director of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards initiative. "We want to shine a light on them and hold them up as role models for other young people."

In February, Davoudiasl will find out if she is a state finalist in the Prudential Spirit of Community Award competition. The state finalists will gather in Washington D.C. this spring when the national winners are announced.

"I'm excited just to be recognized," said Davoudiasl about her nomination. "I really get a kick out of reaching out to freshman and I've made so many new friends."