Community News

How Dreams Come True

It seems like the calling to serve others is something that Lauren Nidea cannot or will not ignore.

When did she first hear that call? Was it during the two medical mission trips that she took with her family a few years ago to the Dominican Republic? It seemed an ideal way for the Nidea family to serve. Her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, were intent on involving their two children in a worthwhile mission. To this day, the poverty Lauren witnessed remains embedded in her mind—and memories of the people embedded in her heart.

Through her church, Lauren volunteered with local causes. Last year, as a freshman at Penn High School, she participated in the Peer Leadership program which involves students with their peers who have special needs. Yet another life changing experience for Lauren, she knew she wanted to do even more.

The joy that she felt through serving others was something she wanted others to experience. She began thinking of a way to get other students involved. So Lauren created the Penn Dream Commission, a name she came up with to support her goal. She wanted to help make the dreams of others less fortunate come true.

Although the club was HER dream, Lauren didn’t know what to expect. Her brother Neal was on board and mom was there to help, but how would she go about starting a new club at a large high school? Would anyone else want to join?

Lauren decided to give it a try. She went through the necessary hoops to get a club approved at the high school, and began to recruit members. It turned out that Lauren did not have to worry. The club now has 60 members with more who want to join.

One of their first projects was the LOGAN Masquerade Ball. The work started with a transformation of the LOGAN Center lobby into a Halloween mecca. The decorations were frightfully amazing. LOGAN teens and young adults came decked out in an array of costumes to trick or treat, dance, play games, create masks and enjoy snacks with the Penn students. It was a memorable event for all, creating such excitement that plans are now underway to host a Spring Prom.

In addition to their work at LOGAN, the Dream Commission is involved with patients on Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Unit. Members decorate ‘birthday buckets’, filled with treats, surprises and cards of encouragement for the youngsters. These are delivered quarterly at a birthday party planned by the group and held at the hospital.  The group now wants to solicit toys and books for the Ronald McDonald House.

Penn Counselor Amanda Budhi serves as sponsor for this club. She is amazed at how much this group has accomplished. Last year, Lauren shared her vision and within just a month, Amanda was named club sponsor and Lauren had things rolling—setting up a board, fulfilling requirements to become a sanctioned school club and fundraising. 

“It is incredible when a 10th-grader comes to you with such a phenomenal idea that requires a great deal of energy and synergy to pull off,” Budhi says. “I’m just floored by how much Lauren had done over the summer, raising nearly $4,000 for the club’s efforts. Seeing these students do something outside of school that matters so much is heartwarming.”

When Lauren is asked what she would now say to convince others to join the Dream Commission, she does not hesitate. With quiet confidence, she replies: “This is a club that will really change your life because after you go to the events and work with the kids, you will realize that what you have done has made an impact.”

Through helping the dreams of others come true, Lauren is realizing her own dream. 

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