Giving back to the community is a requirement of every Trinity High School student, but Senior Abby Bodart is an exemplary student in this regard. Bodart exceeded expectations by creating her own nonprofit organization, First Impressions, due to her passion for bettering the world around her.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping in the community, but I really didn’t even know anything about founding a nonprofit organization until the end of my sophomore year. I didn’t plan on creating a nonprofit until I saw a need for it,” she says.
First Impressions is dedicated to providing professional attire to students who lack such clothing when a job interview or formal event calls for a specific dress requirement. Funded solely by donations, the closet is stocked with a wide variety of clothes for men and women alike.
The closet itself is located in room 186 with Mrs. Hartley. This is where students may choose whichever items of clothing they would like to wear.
Bodart explains that she began receiving hand-me-down clothing from her aunt and suddenly had a large selection of professional clothing at her disposal. Realizing that most students don’t have this option, Bodart vowed to provide the same opportunity for all Trinity students.
Her brother, Sophomore Oliver Bodart, has grown up beside Abby and has been able to witness her grow into the strong, dedicated leader she is today.
“Abby has always been determined and driven to do what she wants. For all I’ve known her, she always helps out and never takes anything lightly, and she works so unbelievably hard to get what she wants. The best description of her would be a leader. I’m extremely proud of everything she has done for everyone around her,” he adds.
Bodart reports that the main lesson she’s learned from creating First Impressions is that inspiring change in the community doesn’t take large-scale projects. Despite many students believing they need to accomplish huge tasks in order to impact their environment, Bodart urges them to start small. Volunteering in a local kitchen or helping a neighbor do menial tasks is a great place to start.
As she reflects on her time at Trinity and the people who have helped get her to where she is today, Bodart says, “I’m so blessed to be surrounded by so many individuals that foster this type of volunteering spirit in me. My family, my teachers, and my friends have supported and encouraged me to be the best version of myself that I can be, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.”
As an exemplary student and incredible role model, Bodart’s future is bright and full of opportunities.
