NDB Announces Jefferson Award Recipients

Two students and one teacher from Notre Dame High School Belmont were honored earlier this month for their dedication to service. 

According to a NDB media release, students Crystal Batshon '15 and Devin Johnston '17, and chorus teacher/orchestra conductor, Kristin Pfiefer, are 2013 recipients of the Jefferson Awards. The awards were presented on Sept. 18 after the first school mass of the year, recognizing them for their contributions to the community.

A bit about the recipients:

Crystal Batshon, Junior

Crystal Batshon, a junior from Redwood City, has completed over 300 hours of community service, including over 90 hours of service to Notre Dame. Crystal has spent many hours working with the Special Olympics athletes both in soccer and basketball. She has also worked at St. Vincent de Paul, where she makes sandwiches, and assembles and distributes bag lunches for the homeless. She recently completed a fundraiser through SIA for the Unique Home for Girls in India, and is determined to continue to work to raise additional funds for this charity.

Devin Johnston, Freshman

Only a freshman in high school, Devin Johnston of Mountain View, has completed a tremendous amount of service to the community. She has completed nearly 50 hours of service, and volunteers with numerous organizations such as the National Charity League, Ecumenical Hunger program, InnVision and more. She also served as a camp counselor at her previous school. Only a few months into the new school year, Devin is already ahead of the game, as she is half way done with her graduation service requirement for community service.

Kristin Pfeifer, Teacher

Kristin Pfeifer, who has been a Notre Dame High School teacher for 14 years, actively fundraises for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She has biked over 130 miles and raised $4,500 in donations from her sponsors. She annually promotes the King’s Mountain volunteer project with youth and art for students, and takes the choir students to perform throughout the community.

“For years I have watched students giving back to their community through a variety of ways, and they have inspired me to give back to my community,” said Pfeifer.