The Emily K Center recently recognized two recipients of the Duke University Volunteer Service Award: Joey Smigla and Jewelsmith. This award is given each year to outstanding volunteers whose generosity and commitment have deepened the Center’s impact.
Jewelsmith was honored for its many years of partnership with the Center. Since 2014, Jewelsmith has sponsored and attended the Emily K Center Mother’s Day Ball, including creating jewelry for auctions and raffles that benefit the Center. Jewelsmith team members have also spent time with Emily K Center students, sharing insights into jewelry making, career paths, and education journeys.
“The most rewarding part of our partnership with Emily K Center is witnessing the students achieve their goals,” Jewelsmith shared. “Seeing them accepted into colleges and universities with high confidence in themselves is incredible. We love seeing them accomplish great things and make an impact in society.”
For Jewelsmith, that commitment is rooted in a broader belief in the importance of giving back. The team shared that it strives to support the community that helped their business grow by investing in organizations that strengthen the local economy, care for the world around us, and protect fundamental rights.
“We understand the importance of community support to make us grow stronger and better. The education, skills, knowledge, and experience that these students gain with the help of the Emily K Center is priceless,” says Jewelsmith.
The Center also recognized Joey Smigla, a volunteer tutor with the Scholars to College program. For more than five years, Joey has provided dependable academic support to high school students across a variety of subject areas, helping create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging with challenging material.
Joey has made a particularly meaningful impact through his role in Scholars to College ACT preparation. Joey has worked with students to reinforce concepts from group ACT sessions, especially in math and science, helping them approach difficult material with greater confidence. Students consistently describe their tutoring sessions with Joey as interesting, encouraging, and fun.
“It’s always inspiring to see the ‘lightbulb moments’ as students begin to grasp a tough concept,” Joey shared. “Whether I am tutoring someone for the first time or the third week in a row, I’ve noticed these moments usually correspond to the students coming out of their shell and really letting their personalities shine through, and that part never gets old.”
The honorees’ service reflects the generosity of the many volunteers and community partners who make the Emily K Center’s work possible. Through tutoring, mentoring, event support, career exploration, advocacy, and more, volunteers strengthen the Center and empower our students. We are grateful for the many people who continue to show up for students and families year after year.
