Like teens everywhere, typical Jacksonville high school students stay busy. Their days pass by in a blur of homework deadlines, exams, sports, clubs, dates and after-school jobs. However, there are some especially motivated teens whose concern and care for homeless animals is a model of selfless community service. They inspire hope for a future of more comprehensive, humane animal welfare through their actions and public outreach for homeless animals in shelters or struggling to survive outdoors. Ella LeMieux, a junior at Samuel W. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, and 19-year-old Sejla Hotilovacare among this next generation of local animal welfare activists.
Ella LeMieux
Ella LeMieux is a founding member of the Wolfson Paw Society, currently serving as club treasurer and communications manager. Junior Sarah Robinson created the club and serves as president.
Their other animal-loving friends quickly joined in: Amari Cox, social media manager, Lnyah McElroy, and Natalie Shepard, co-vice presidents. Mr. Akovi Adjevi Neglokpe, Wolfson’s music teacher and choral director, is the club’s sponsor. The club meets biweekly in the chorus room after school, and interested students are welcome to join.
The club officers and student members have made it their mission to connect with and support existing community nonprofit organizations to aid local pet owners and animals in need. They plan to host in-school pet food drives, craft sustainable pet toys from scrap materials and volunteer at local shelters…