22 AlumniNews PREPARED FOR THE CHALLENGE essential | i-sen(t)-shǝl | adjective absolutely necessary; extremely important; of the utmost importance. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every member of the Guerin Catholic community. Guerin Catholic always works to instill a sense of servant leadership in its students in the hopes they will carry it with them into the “real world.” Here is just a sampling of the many Guerin Catholic alumni who continue to serve with love, placing themselves on the front lines with humble hearts as essential workers. Thank you, Golden Eagles! A.J. Edwards ’17 Kokomo Family YMCA “I have worked for the YMCA since I was a senior. After graduating, I took on additional responsibilities and now oversee a before and after school enrichment site, as well as day camps. When the pandemic began, we suddenly had to switch our focus to emergency child care for essential workers, and I was asked to direct this program. We instituted several safety changes to the program while keeping the program fun for the kids.” Rachel Stephanak ’14, BSN, RN St. Vincent Indianapolis, Head and Neck Surgical Cancer Unit “During the pandemic, my job is to make sure our floor stays as clean as possible, and any possible COVID-19 patients are relocated to our COVID floor. Cancer surgeries have continued, and I frequently work overtime 4-5 days in a row to make up for being short staffed. For us, our patients, and our community things are very uncertain, but we appreciate all of the prayers being sent our way!” Henry Stevens ’13 Hamilton County Sheriff’s Dept. “Being an essential worker during the pandemic has been a bittersweet experience. While there is the stress of risking exposure while working, I am grateful to have my job and paycheck through uncertain times. I pray for all the unemployed who have lost their jobs during the pandemic.” IMPACT MAGAZINE • FALL 2020 Alumni News
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