Bresly Oralus Serves with City of Orlando
Orlando – Volunteer Florida today recognized the first AmeriCorps Member of the Year. Bresly Oralus, who serves with the City of Orlando’s OPASS program, was honored for providing exceptional service to the community and exemplifying Volunteer Florida’s values of service, leadership, collaboration, excellence, inspiration, and innovation.
“It’s an honor to recognize Bresly Oralus with the Volunteer Florida AmeriCorps Member of the Year Award,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman. “Bresly has shown extraordinary leadership throughout his service in AmeriCorps, working one-on-one with students to increase their grades and address attendance issues.”
Volunteer Florida administers AmeriCorps programs in Florida, which offer individuals to engage in intensive service to their community while increasing capacity for nonprofits and other service organizations. Volunteer Florida’s grantees include schools, educational foundations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and other community organizations. AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of their life to service.
The City of Orlando’s OPASS project (Orlando Partnership for Student Success) brings together 32 AmeriCorps members who commit a year of full-time service to provide tutoring and mentoring to many of Orlando’s most at-risk students. Members provide support during the school day and in after school programs to increase academic performance and reduce juvenile crime and behavioral issues.
“Bresly is truly an ambassador for Volunteer Florida and AmeriCorps,” continued Spellman. “We’ve seen him inspire students who face incredible challenges every day. Bresly illustrates the impact of AmeriCorps on the community, the school, the individual students, and the AmeriCorps member who serves.”
Bresly serves Lee Middle School, a Title I school in Orlando. Under Bresly’s leadership, a group of 17 students increased their GPAs from below an average of 2.0 to an average of 3.0 or higher, with no unexcused absences. He is now working to earn his degree in Education so that he can become a teacher and continue his service.
The Volunteer Florida AmeriCorps Member of the Year Award recognizes an AmeriCorps member each year who exemplifies national service and serves as an ambassador for Volunteer Florida and AmeriCorps.