Lakeside grad makes difference at the Red Cross
It is the caring and compassion that Arjun Sebastian exhibits daily that has earned him one of two national scholarships presented by the American Red Cross.
Arjun, a 2004 graduate of Lakeside High School, has served as president of the Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross' Youth Board for the past year and has gone above and beyond in showing how much he cares for others.
"Arjun is a kind, caring young man with a strong sense of civic responsibility and a vision for expanding opportunities for youth involvement," said Lynn Reese, director of volunteer and youth services for the American Red Cross' Augusta Chapter. "Through his innovative ideas and his ability to follow through on commitments, Arjun has taken the Red Cross youth program to a higher level of community service, leadership and responsibility."
To honor his dedication and commitment to the ideals set forth by the American Red Cross, Arjun was awarded one of two $2,500 scholarships.
The scholarships, created in memory of Navin Narayan, a young man who served the Red Cross in many roles and ultimately succumbed to cancer at the age of 23, are awarded to youth volunteers who have made significant humanitarian contributions to the Red Cross and who have achieved academic excellence.
Sebastian, a graduate of Lakeside High School, received a $2,500 scholarship from the Augusta Chapter of the Ameri-can Red Cross.
Photo by Kevin Martin
"I knew Navin well, and I believe that Arjun exemplifies Navin's ideals of commitment to humanitarian service and academic excellence," Reese said. "Arjun has touched the lives of many with his hard work and dedication."
Arjun became involved with the Red Cross while in middle school. After participating in leadership development programs sponsored by the group, Arjun set his sight on becoming a member of the Youth Board once he got into high school.
"I think a lot of it just has so much to do with the feedback I get," Arjun said of the volunteer work he does. "They always ask when we are coming back, and it's nice knowing that I can make a difference, as a kid, in someone else's life."
Arjun, a National Honor Society member, has attended and participated in monthly gatherings at Gracewood State School and Hospital, worked at the soup kitchen and led projects for foster children, including educational field trips and holiday gift giving.
"Arjun is a true team player," Reese said. "He has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, energy, initiative and ability to work with people of all cultural backgrounds. Arjun's commitment and his positive attitude serve as an example to other youth volunteers. He is a role model of character, a true motivator and other students look up to him."
The son of Dr. C. and Mary Sebastian of Martinez, Arjun will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in the fall. He plans to study medicine, though he hasn't narrowed his career choice to a specific field.
"I think it's through my involvement with the Red Cross that I wanted to pursue a career where I can really help other people," said Arjun, a track and cross-country runner at Lakeside High. "I want to work with others and be an inspiration to them."