School Social Worker Jennifer Ordonez 

     Receives Community Service Award

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    Jennifer Ordonez, a social worker in the South Brunswick school system for more than 15 years and founder of the service-based Surf Dream Club, is the latest recipient of the Kiwanis Award for Excellence in Community Service.

 

    Working with children at South Brunswick elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology (COAST), Ordonez has mentored hundreds of students and has a special interest in supporting first-generation college students. She has supported many students beyond high school graduation as they pursue a college education.

 

 

    “Jennifer enjoys working with students from different grade levels because it gives her the opportunity to follow students and their families throughout their school years,” said Kathleen Bradcovich, president of the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis club. “She also values working in the community where she lives because she feels it allows her to gain a better understanding of her students’ backgrounds, interests and needs.” 

 

    Much of her community service is through the South Brunswick High School Surf Dreams Club. Ordonez has organized surf lessons for some 250 children through the club, which coordinates beach clean-ups, raises funds for the Surf Dreams Foundation, and hosts an annual Take a Kid Surfing Day on Oak Island. She also created a $1,000 Surf Dreams Scholarship awarded annually to a Brunswick County graduating senior pursuing a college education.

 

    “Jennifer emphasizes community service with the children she mentors, and it inspires her to see students give back to the community and grow as leaders,” said Kiwanis President Bradcovich, adding Ordonez worked with high school club members to create an ocean safety curriculum for elementary age children. “She cultivates a passion for helping others and a love for the beach community.”

 

    The Award for Excellence in Community Service is given by the Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island, which is dedicated to serving the children of Brunswick County through service, education, guidance, and leadership. The club supports numerous programs in the county’s elementary, middle, and high schools designed to instill a life-long commitment to service among students of all ages and to develop the skills necessary to become community leaders.

 

    The Kiwanis Club’s Awards and Recognition Committee selected Ordonez because its members agreed she clearly models character, citizenship, service, and accomplishments in her community, which are the award’s criteria.

 

    Visit SOIKiwanis.com to learn more about Kiwanis. Also see the SBHS Surf Dreams Club page on Facebook and the Surf Dreams Foundation website at surfdreamsfoundation.org.

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Previous Recipients

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2023

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Wendy Jones, Power Walking Ministries

Delanie Jackson, South Brunswick High School student

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2022

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Jeremy Borowski, Brunswick County Sheriff's Deputy

Kristie Disbrow,  Matthew’s Ministry

Howie Franklin,  Cape Fear Regional Jetport

 

2021

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Todd Corning, Southport Police Chief

Beverly Eury, Brunswick County Principal of the Year 

Sheila Roberts, New Hope Clinic

Tim Tippett, BEMC

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