Volunteer Voices, Tory Brown & Amanda Platte

Staples H.S. Senior Fellowship Awardees; Tory Brown & Amanda Platte; President of the Staples HS Key Club

Circle of friends has been an amazing opportunity for both of us, one that we will definitely miss next year at school. We first heard of the program as freshmen through Key Club, a community service club at our school. We signed up clueless to the impact it would have on us and Freida matched us up with Evan.

Our First day with Evan was a totally new experience and we were nervous about how to act, what to do and whether or not we were the right kids to be doing this program. But we were pleasantly surprised that every fear and or doubt left our minds within minutes of meeting him. Whether it was playing Uno in the basement, playing in the yard,creating art projects or just talking to Evan about his adventures in school that week, there was never a dull moment.
We soon realized that when we were with Evan, we didn't have to worry . For an hour each week our problems with school, friends and work didn't matter. When we were with Evan we had not a care in the world, whether it was laughing, talking or listening to his favorite band we knew Evan loved us and he always would. He didn't care what we were wearing, what car we drove, or even if we didn't have enough time to shower before coming to his house. Evan was our friend through anything and anytime, this is a trait that he quickly taught the two of us.

In doing this program, we initially thought that we were doing good for someone else and that was all. But throughout the four years spent with Evan, he has done just as much, if not more for us. We have learned patience, understanding and compassion from him, life lessons that we can forever be grateful for.

This past week was out last time with Evan in the program, due to summer jobs, finals and time restraints, but it will definitely not be the last time we see Evan. He has done so much for us and we want to thank The Circle of Friends for this amazing opportunity and friendship we have made and that we will keep in our hearts forever. Thank You!