Madeline Betts receives Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award

Cape High junior Madeline Betts spends at least 100 hours a year tutoring young children struggling with math, helping with school stage productions and serving as group leader for her church bible school.

For her service, she was awarded the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award during a May 14 ceremony.

Sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the awards are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “Giving back to our communities is one of the most selfless things a person can do,” Gov. John Carney said.

One way she volunteers is by serving as group leader at Bethel United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School. “I work in the morning program, primarily with first- and third-graders,” she said. “I also help out with Beacon and Shields musicals.”

During Beacon Middle’s production of “Peter Pan,” Madeline worked backstage, making sure props were in order and ready to go, moving sets and helping actors change costumes. When Shields Elementary put on “Willy Wonka Jr.,” Madeline did makeup for the “Oompa Loompas,” and helped set up and take down backdrops.

Madeline has been involved with acting and singing since starring as “Annie” in third grade. With Cape Chorale, she spent a day Christmas caroling at Love Creek Elementary and local nursing homes. She is also a member of the Delaware Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Board.  “We meet once a month to grant money to different charity organizations,” she said. “We gave $15,000 to five local charities. It was cool because people don’t often trust kids with that much money. I got to meet kids from other schools and help people who need money.”

At school, Madeline participates in Academic Challenge and is a member of the National Honor Society, mock trial team and Cape Chorale. Cape High Assistant Principal Kyle Bentley attended the award ceremony with Madeline and her parents. “Maddie is one of our best,” he said.