Lapeer Community Schools is proud to announce that 41 Lapeer High School students have been recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the eighth annual Community Service Impact Awards.
The Kroger Co. is presenting the seventh annual Zero Hero Awards to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger and waste. Michigan Community Service Commission is recognizing outstanding youth volunteers addressing community needs.
The Community Service Impact Awards program connects student service to real-world outcomes, skill development, and community needs. This year, students from Lapeer High School were part of a nationwide effort of high school changemakers who collectively invested more than 2.3 million hours of service, equivalent to $78 million in community impact, addressing critical local and global challenges.
Schools with a collective student impact above 2,000 hours of service, the equivalent of a full-time employee, are recognized with a School Impact Award. We are thrilled to acknowledge students from Lapeer High School have invested 3,283-plus hours in community needs: earning the Sapphire Award. Through their efforts, students from Lapeer High School made meaningful contributions to Good Health & Well-Being, demonstrating how local action drives global progress.
“Even as the world faces tough questions about the future of international cooperation, students are supporting the Global Goals with heart, hard work, and a clear path forward,” said Farah Salim Eck, managing director of the United Nations Association of the USA. “While the challenges of our time are real, seeing young people step up reminds us that change is always possible. We are so proud to partner with InnerView to celebrate these changemakers who are proving that you don’t have to wait for the future to make the world a better, more united place.”
"We are so proud to recognize the efforts of the Michigan youth who chose to give their valuable time to help others," added Michigan Community Service Commission executive director Ginna Holmes. "Youth understand the power of volunteering and the importance their actions have in strengthening communities. Their passion and strong desire to make an impact is inspiring.”
“This recognition reflects more than participation, it represents the time, care, and commitment these students are putting into causes that matter to them,” said Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView. “It’s an honor to support and amplify their work. They’re not only creating impact today, they’re building the skills and confidence that will shape how they lead and contribute for the rest of their lives.”
The three-tier award program recognizes levels of sustained impact: Merit (40 hours), Honor (60 hours), and Ambassador (100+ hours) of service during the school year, along with special recognition for efforts addressing Zero Hunger and Zero Waste. Beyond recognition, students gain a digital service impact resume to showcase their impact, skills, and commitments for college and career opportunities.
Ambassador Awardees: Beau Bradford, Lexi DeLong, Daniel Helkowski, Grace Krause
Honor Awardees: Emma Champine-Smith, Isabella Dissmore, Madeline Franckowiak, Madison Gertcher, Olivia Hayes, Henrik Hulsmeyer, Ziana Kenny, Erin King, Alyssa McLaren, Matthew Sells, Autumn Sjoblom, Tatum Southern, Madison White
Merit Awardees: Alex Bierbusse, Nadia Cordes, Nola Cummings, Ashlyn Elliott, Madelyn Henley, Olivia Hensel, Gavin Hibbler, Alicia Hoppe, Carter Josef, Joshua Kenny, Maecyn Kress, Addison Laurie, Aaron Lowe, Ever Miller, Irelynn Miller, Elise Morey, Marin Readwin, Jersei Shown, Ryann Tackabury, Haylee VanWagoner, Ryanna Wilson
Zero Hero Awardees: Shaylynn Florshinger, Olivia Hayes, Carter Josef, Alyssa McLaren, Sophia Showler, Jersei Shown, Gavin Wandrie
Michigan Awardees: Alex Bierbusse, Beau Bradford, Emma Champine-Smith, Lexi DeLong, Isabella Dissmore, Madeline Franckowiak, Madison Gertcher, Olivia Hayes, Daniel Helkowski, Olivia Hensel, Henrik Hulsmeyer, Joshua Kenny, Ziana Kenny, Erin King, Grace Krause, Alyssa McLaren, Isaiah Pardington, Marin Readwin, Matthew Sells, Autumn Sjoblom, Tatum Southern, Haylee VanWagoner, Madison White, Ryanna Wilson