Standout Spartans: Liam McCarthy, Chris Hollis, Truman Mercurio

When Liam McCarthy ’31 asked his friends, Chris Hollis ’31 and Truman Mercurio ’31, to help raise money last summer to put together gift bags for pediatric burn patients at VCU, he knew they’d come through. The three friends teamed up to build a lemonade stand, with an end goal of using the money they made to give back to the community. 

“Planning was probably the most difficult part,” shared Liam. “The night before, Chris and I spent a lot of time working on posters, marketing, and getting the ingredients. The next day we set up shop with Truman, and then we sold our lemonade.”

Liam, Chris, and Truman used the proceeds (an impressive $233!) to purchase items such as stuffed animals, notebooks, coloring books, and friendship bracelets. In all, they put together 36 bags. Included in each bag was a pamphlet for the Central Virginia Burn Camp (CVBC), a place that is near to Liam’s heart. 

When he was a toddler, Liam underwent skin grafts after sustaining third-degree burns. For many years, Liam has attended the CVBC each summer and winter. Participants enjoy a wide variety of activities at the camp. 

“Some of my favorites include rock climbing and obstacle courses, visiting the Smithsonian, going to water parks, and participating in lots of fun teambuilding activities,” shared Liam. “Overall, my favorite thing about the camp is seeing and making friends. I’ve met some truly incredible people, including counselors who have had an immense impact on my life, and I cherish these connections.”

Liam, Chris, and Truman were honored for their hard work and generosity when they were each presented with a Challenge Token, which is normally reserved for firefighters and military personnel. The tokens were presented at a ceremony at the VCU Medical Hospital. The boys were also given T-shirts, gift certificates, candy, and VCU swag. 

“When I was presented with the token, I was honored,” said Liam. “I knew that they only present tokens to people who have done a lot for others, like emergency responders. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure that I should have been awarded such a prestigious gift. I’ve pinned it in my room in a place where I can always see it.”

At Steward, Liam plays tennis and basketball, and I have hope to join Model UN. 

“I would say the best part about being a Spartan is the amazing community of people that are at Steward,” he said.  

We are so proud of Liam, Chris, and Truman!