Evyn Levy, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Evyn loves to swim and has been on a swim team since early elementary school. It was a natural fit for her to volunteer at the Jewish Community Center for her mitzvah project, where her family spends a significant amount of time.

Daughter of Joelyn and Edward Levy of Creve Coeur, Evyn volunteered with the Adaptive Aquatics program at the JCC Fox building. The program combines fun and fitness helping individuals with special needs of all ages and skill levels to develop a personal swimming style. For six months, Evyn assisted Coach Stephanie Barrett. 

When Evyn started new skills, she performed the demonstration, setting a competitive swimming example so that participants could see what needed to be done. 

She also learned how to help conduct time trials for the swimmers. “When it came time for the ‘Special Olympics Swim Meet,’ Evyn did a great job of cheering swimmers on and keeping a positive attitude while waiting for our next event in the bullpen,” added Barrett. “She demonstrated her mature and caring attitude for others repeatedly.” 

A student at Ladue Middle School, Evyn said, “I had a lot of fun helping out and made some new friends there, too.  I think it is important for people to realize that people with disabilities can do everything we can. If we want to learn how to swim, we take lessons. So do they. Programs like Adaptive Aquatics can really make a big difference in people’s lives.”