With graduation just a few months away, Sofia Nielsen, 17 years old, decided that she wanted to use her talent to do something special for each of her 110 classmates at Notre Dame Academy of Staten Island, New York, an all-girls school. At first, she thought she would paint a picture of the school for everyone, but then decided she wanted it to be more personal. After coming up with a plan, Sofia met with Principal Meaghan O’Brien for her idea to be approved. Next, she went to Laura Bauer, the head of the yearbook, to ask for pictures of all the seniors. Finally, Sofia met with Joe Barral, the head art teacher, to get the supplies she would need to work on the big project at home. For the next two months, Nielsen spent every spare minute painting portraits of each of the 110 graduates. Other than the three people at school and her family, no one knew of Sofia’s surprise. She even managed to keep the project secret from her best friend since kindergarten, even though they talked by phone every day. Two days before graduation, Sofia finished painting and wrapping the last portrait. The day of graduation, she taped the gift under the seat for each of her classmates. It was finally time for the ceremony to begin! As salutatorian of Notre Dame Academy’s Class of 2025, Nielsen approached the platform to address the graduates and their guests. After speaking, Sofia asked each of the graduates to reach under their seat “for a little something made just for them.” There were audible gasps, clapping, and then a standing ovation as the graduates and guests realized what Sofia had gifted her classmates. She concluded, “(The paintings would be) a reminder that everything that you have become here at Notre Dame will always be a part of you. A way to immortalize our legacy.” Sofia stated, “Everyone was so receptive and grateful for it. I am so amazed by their reaction to it.” Lisa Nielsen continues to be amazed at her daughter’s artistic talent, creativity, and academic success. She reminisced, “This girl walked into Notre Dame Academy afraid of her own shadow, unable to really present in front of a classroom of kids that she knew from kindergarten. To see her up on that stage at graduation in front of 600 people, 110 girls, all her teachers, and to witness that self-possessed ability to communicate and share her gift with others…it was nothing less than a miracle from God and Notre Dame Academy’s help to get her to that point.”
Whether it’s planned for a long time or spur of the moment, may we also be willing to use the gifts and talents God has given us to serve and bless others.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
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