Charlie Ratcliffe, 18, is an incoming Noblesville High School (NHS) senior whose passion for community service has earned him the Levinson Family Lifetime Philanthropy award. The award goes to one young man and one young woman who show not only excellent academic achievement but also passion for making an impact through community involvement and voluntarism.
Ratcliffe was anonymously nominated by NHS teachers for his academic performance, volunteerism and other factors that made him stand out.
Ratcliffe has volunteered his time to the White River Food Pantry; he has worked at Good Samaritan holiday events helping serve food to people in need; he has packaged meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas for people in need; and has given his time to Meals on Wheels on Thanksgiving, bringing meals to people who could not leave their homes.
As part of the process, Ratcliffe had a social-distance friendly Zoom interview with a three-person award panel about his community involvement and his thoughts on improving Noblesville. Ever the fan of the outdoors, some of his suggestions included more greenspace in the community.
Having won the award, Ratcliffe’s $500 will be donated to the charity of his choice for the next 20 years. Each year Ratcliffe will pick a charity to receive the donation in his name.
“During a time of unrest I couldn’t be more proud of his heart!” said Rebecca Gordon, Ratcliffe’s mother.