Nomination letter of Skyler Mastronicola for Junior volunteer of the Year, she was announced the winner at the ALA Junior Convention in Columbus in May. 

Skyler Mastronicola is truly deserving of the honor of being Junior volunteer of the Year. The 13 year-old daughter of a retired Army Veteran exemplifies the ideals of being a good American. Skyler works diligently for all the Auxiliary programs and attends all the monthly meetings of Palmer-Roberts ALA Unit 214 and gives reports of junior activities. She marched in the community parades and took part in the Post POW/MIA program. Skyler helped with the Ninth District June Birthday Party for hospitalized veterans at Wade Park VA. She served lunch and spent time talking to the veterans. In September the local mall had a Salute to the Military day and Skyler helped the Auxiliary with their informational booth and she modeled clothing in the style show. Skyler carried banners with veterans at six college football games. She helped grade the Americanism and Government test papers and has been known to carry scissors to clip coupons. She was part of the Flag Day disposal of tattered flags.

In December, Skyler made over 100 paper ornaments for the Auxiliary fiber optic tree. She asked for a $1 donation from members, wrote their name on the ornament and hung it on the tree. She raised $125 half for the Marie Moore fund and half for the Gifts for Yanks.

Skyler also participated in the food drive for needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. At Christmas she and her family adopted one of the children and provided gifts. Skyler helped deliver the food and gifts to one of the families. She shopped and wrapped gifts for a needy family her school adopted at Christmas and went to the Mayor’s office and asked him for a donation.

She volunteered in May to get donations for the Poppy fund by taking poppies to the Willoughby Saturday Market. One of the main undertakings of the senior members is their dedication to homeless veterans. Skyler is always there-serving them food at a dinner or dessert at a Christmas party. She dressed as an elf to give out presents to those in the shelter.

During Valentine week, treat bags filled with goodies with a hear tied around each bag, were delivered to the homeless veterans shelter and to Wade Park VA Hospital for the hospitalized veterans. Skyler, with help from Grandma and Mom, made all the good bags. At Auxiliary events she served dinners, cleaned tables, washed dishes and made friends. Skyler danced a 12 hour marathon at her school for the benefit of autism and raised $200. She is a wiz at helping others on the computer or other electronic devices and often does so at the Post.

I consider Skyler a wonderful asset to our auxiliary and to veterans. Therefore I hope you will consider my nomination of Skyler Mastronicola as Junior Member of the Year.

Martha Setlock, President

Post 214 Ladies Auxiliary Unit

Skyler Mastronicola is the daughter of Bob and Gina Mastronicola of Eastlake.