Needham Youth Services -- January RAY of Hope Recipient

January Recipient – Rachel Blaustein

Rachel Blaustein, a senior at Needham High School, was nominated by Penny Kirk from the Needham Housing Authority for her work in facilitating a book club for the Cooks After-School program at Captain Robert Cook Drive. She created the book club to encourage the love of reading in Middle School students. When Rachel was younger she was in a book club with her mother which is where she discovered the joy of reading and discussing books. Rachel coordinates every detail of the book club and she provides the books with her own funds and plans activities for each group. "Rachel’s Book Club" has inspired the children to read.

In addition to her volunteer work, Rachel is actively involved at Needham High School. She participates in Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Indoor Track (for which she is the captain), and Varsity Outdoor Track. She is currently a counselor at Needham Indoor Track Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is consistently on the High Honor Roll. Rachel also plays the saxophone. In the past, she was a member of the Needham High School Symphonic Band and the Jazz Ensemble. She has participated in Relay for Life.

Watch the ceremony honoring Rachel at: http://youtu.be/6G7xVbpFruM

For more information please visit www.needhamma.gov/youth/ray