One local teen has combined her passions for volunteering and the performing arts into service for the Arc of Greater Williamsburg.
Lizzy Mothershead was recently honored for her commitment with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.
The junior at Williamsburg Christian Academy began helping at the Arc of Greater Williamsburg when her family moved to the area in 2010. Since then she has logged more than 500 hours and raised more than $2,500 for the organization, which works to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.
Mothershead knows what it is like to be bullied for being different. She has ADHD and a mostly corrected visual disability. While she understands her experiences are different from those with special needs at the Arc, she feels a kinship with them and enjoys helping them feel accepted in a safe and friendly environment.
Her biggest project to date with the group was a benefit concert last October that is now slated to be an annual affair.
“Since I loved music and since I wanted to raise money for the Arc, I thought it was just perfect,” she said.
A student of opera and musical theater performance and also active participant in the Miss Virginia pageant circuit, Mothershead used her talents and connections to organize a night of entertainment. She performed and co-hosted, along with various other acts. All proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle assisted the Arc with programs and advocacy.
Mothershead – who was named the organization’s Volunteer of the Year in 2012 – also started a collection project for the Arc around town. Her donation banks for spare change are in about 12 stores throughout Williamsburg, which have raised $300 in just a few months.
“Lizzy’s dedicated efforts have benefited The Arc well beyond the funds she has raised,” said Jennifer Stout, executive director for the Arc of Greater Williamsburg, in a news release. “She also brings great joy to our Arc family. She is a wonderful example to Arc members, volunteers, and the community.”
Mothershead volunteers at activities nights and other programs as well, and said the twice-annual dances are her favorite.
“[Arc members] always keep dancing for the whole three hours – I don’t know how they have much energy,” she said.
She loves working with the people, and experiencing their effusive joy.
“I’ve never seen any of them sad,” Mothershead said.
She plans to volunteer for the Arc through the end of high school, and keep both service and music a part of her life in college and beyond.
