Allegany County
Miranda Leighty, Beall High School, 12th Grade
Miranda donates a number of hours by assisting younger children with after school activities and volunteering at the Mount Savage Fire House dinner. She is also a member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls where she received the Jennifer K. Willis Award for volunteer efforts. Miranda plans to continue helping others by pursuing a career as a nurse.
Denise Meade, Fort Hill High School, 12th Grade
A senior with an interest in the medical profession, Denise is a leader in both her peer mediation club and in her volunteer activities. She participates in numerous activities to help children, senior citizens, and the homeless in her area. Denise is motivated by her family and peers.
Anne Arundel County
Amy Bunch, South River High School, 12th Grade
Amy is President of South River High School's YouthRISE Club. She organized a very successful freshman class unity conference for over 400 students at a local camp. Amy has distinguished herself as a leader within her school and an outstanding service advocate.
Keith Greenway, Chesapeake High School, 12th Grade
Playing a significant role in everyday life at Chesapeake High School, Keith is President of the Interact Club where he is instrumental in the club's work. He also volunteers his time at the local Down's Park Complex, working with children and he has received letters of commendation for his efforts. Keith is truly an attribute to his community and to those he serves.
Baltimore City
Shayla Hunter, W.E.B. DuBois High School, 10th Grade
As a member of both the Citywide Program for the Teaching Professions and Students Helping Other People (SHOP), Shayla spends most of her time tutoring and teaching at Yorkwood Elementary School. She works with organizations that support the homeless and collects for Toys for Tots. She is active as a community leader and looks to develop those skills further as a teacher.
James Wilson, Carver Vocational Technical High School, 11th Grade
While pursuing his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, James spends most of his time encouraging young children to work towards their dreams. Raising over $500 for underprivileged children during his lunch hour, he personifies the term "community servant" with great honor and respect.
Baltimore County
Sarah Bormel, Carver Center for the Arts and Technology, 12th Grade
Sarah offers a student voice for issues concerning Baltimore County Public Schools by serving as the student member of Baltimore County's Board of Education. She is also President of the Student Government Association and volunteers to work with children at Camp Milldale during the summers.
Rachel Freeland, Pikesville High School, 12th Grade
For the past five years, Rachel has served at Garden Harvest where she plants, weeds, waters, and harvests fresh produce that is delivered to soup kitchens and homeless shelters. In addition, she developed a donation card to commemorate life cycle events. Rachel is fulfilled by her efforts of providing fresh food to those in need.
Calvert County
Kela Harris, Calvert High School, 12th Grade
An aspiring music therapist, Kela not only wants to give back to her community - but do so musically. She has volunteered with the United Way and Christmas in April. Kela has also received the Presidential Student Service Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Award for her efforts in contributing to the lives of others. She believes that using one's talent to better the lives of others and living everyday to the fullest is her motivation.
Steven Plater, Northern High School, 12th Grade
Steven in very influential in his neighborhood, working with the spring musical for the past three years and participating in the Future Business Leaders of America. He has been recognized locally and nationally for his achievements in service. He dreams of becoming a professional gospel artist and plans to attend a four-year university upon graduation. He plans to major in vocal performance and minor in Spanish language.
Caroline County
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Carroll County
Dinah Deibel, Francis Scott Key High School, 12th Grade
Dedicating over 700 hours to The Days End Horse Rescue Farm, Dinah spends her time caring for neglected horses. Her goal is to return them to good health and a stable home. In addition to her love of animals, Dinah enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics to help children.
Jamie Ridgely, North Carroll High School, 12th Grade
Jamie is well known in her community for helping the under privileged. As early as age 9, she began collecting food for those less fortunate and has since established her own non-profit organization, Helpful Hands. In addition, Jamie has served as the student representative on the Carroll County Board of Education.
Cecil County
Brandon Griffith, Cecil County School of Technology, 12th Grade
A family tradition planted the seed of service in Brandon. He has volunteered many hours to rebuilding his community. Brandon's accomplishments are dedicated to his family for instilling the gift of giving.
Jeffrey Holter, North East High School, 12th Grade
At an early age, Jeffrey became interested in the medical field. His interest led him to volunteer hundreds of hours at Union Hospital. He is currently a member of the Singerly Fire Company and is pursuing the Emergency Medical Technician course to work on an ambulance.
Charles County
Joshua Swann, Maurice J. McDonough High School, 11th Grade
Josh is always ready to make an impact in his community. As part of the Charles County Association of Student Council - Job Shadow Day, he received the opportunity to shadow Superintendent Richmond. They discussed the issue of student suicide and, as a result, Josh organized a student forum to allow his peers to share their thoughts on the issue. He will be trained to implement the Natural Helpers Peer Mediation program at McDonough High School.
Dorchester County
LaShonda Dotson, North Dorchester High School, 12th Grade
LaShonda enjoys helping her community in many ways. Her desire to entertain and help others has motivated her to serve through numerous church activities. Her dedication doesn't stop there. She also volunteers as a tour guide in the Harriet Tubman Tours, but its her love of children that led her to volunteer at a local daycare and as a student nursing assistant. With goals to continue serving others in a her career as a pediatric nurse, LaShonda is currently taking a nursing course that will certify her as a nursing assistant upon graduation, after which, she plans to attend a four year college to further her career.
Sara MacSorley, Cambridge South Dorchester High School, 11th Grade
Sara is currently student President of the Interact Club and the Rotary International "Service Above Self" Club. Demonstrating great leadership skills, Sara organized a peer reading program with Sandy Hill Elementary School. She has given selflessly to the community through her club activities.
Frederick County
Ramya Ambikapathi, Walkersville High School, 12th Grade
In her second year as an officer of the Frederick County Service-Learning Advisory Board (SLAB), Ramya is always excited to plan service projects. Ramya is responsible for organizing a meal each month for women and children at Faith House, a local shelter in Frederick. In addition, she is involved in the Senior-Senior Prom for the elderly and supports many other projects. At present, she is contemplating becoming a Peace Corps volunteer after college.
Matthew Lerner, Middletown High School, 11th Grade
As an active member and current President of SLAB (Frederick County Service-Learning Advisory Board), Matt shows incredible commitment, energy, and leadership as he leads conference workshops, writes grant proposals, and participates in every service project imaginable. From preparing dinners for women and children at the Frederick County Center to rehabilitating houses for Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April, Matt raises the quality of service-learning in his community. His future will undoubtedly include service to the community as he pursues a career in marketing.
Garrett County
Tina Opel, Northern Garrett High School, 12th Grade
Very active with outreach activities in her church, Tina has volunteered at a homeless shelter, traveled on a missions trip to assist people in need, and participated in the Garrett County Relay for Life. She plans to attend college in the fall with a major in Wildlife Biology.
Amanda Ray, Southern Garrett High School, 12th Grade
Genuinely engaged in her community activities, Amanda have received her service-learning hours working with a variety of organizations. She volunteers with the Garrett County Community Action Food Program and Head Start Program Centers. The list goes on with activities in the Southern Garrett Rescue Squad and the Rotary Christmas Project. Amanda looks forward to attending college and majoring in Fine Arts.
Harford County
Emily Richardson, North Harford High School, 12th Grade
Since ninth grade, Emily has been interested in science service projects at school. She was instrumental in building an experimental treatment wetland that now replaces much of the school's traditional septic system. Now the resident expert, Emily conducts tours of the site to educators and government officials across the state. In addition to her work with the wetlands, she is involved in the school's environmental club, as well as the Evironthon and Earthquest teams.
John "Mike" Stern, Havre de Grace High School, 10th Grade
Founder of the Kids Against Pollution Club (KAP), Mike has embarked on a one man campaign to get students at Havre de Grace High School and their parents involved in cleaning waste from their neighborhood to help save the Bay. The club meets regularly at the Havre de Grace waterfront to clear waste from the area. Mike makes service an important part of his life by volunteering weekly to the newly formed service club at the local middle school and serving as a member of the Students Making Individual's Lives Extra Special (SMILES) Service Club.
Howard County
Theresa Karsner, Glenelg High School, 12th Grade
Four years ago, Theresa's heart truly came to life while volunteering with a leadership program called Justice Action Week. She spends time with the elderly, the sick, and the homeless by serving in soup kitchens and local shelters for women. Her schedule is full of activities including coordinating the Halloween for Hunger drive that raised over 5,000 cans of food, and organizing a charity basketball game that collected over $1,000 for children with cancer.
Salmah Rizvi, Atholton High School, 11th Grade
Salmah is involved in so many service activities and organizations that it's difficult to keep track of them. As President of the Howard County Association of Student Council, Director of the Idara Youth Committee, and representative of the National Association of Multicultural Education, Salmah gladly donates her time and expertise to the benefit of others. Her mark on Atholton High School will be enjoyed for years to come and has made a difference in our world.
Kent County
Cammay Gray, Kent County High School, 12th Grade
Cammay volunteers in the Dietary Department of a local nursing home where she serves meals. This allows residents the opportunity to interact with one another and build relationships within the center. While helping the elderly is near and dear to her heart, she also enjoys recycling and environmental projects. Cammay plans to pursue a degree in Business Management after graduation.
Nicholas Mann, Kent County High School, 12th Grade
Nicholas's devotion to helping others seems to come naturally, as he played a vital role in delivering over 500 Christmas food boxes to families who are less fortunate. Going beyond the call of duty, Nicolas has helped prepare Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and unloaded food trucks for the local food pantry. In addition, he visited the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky to participate in the Appalachian Projects to renovate homes.
Montgomery County
Yusra Farooq, Watkins Mill High School, 12th Grade
Yusra has contributed 1200 hours of service to her community. She attributes her interest in service to her religion and having been on the receiving end of service when she was a young student. She spends three hours each day assisting students in the community center's Homework Club. She also volunteers to teach elementary school students reading skills. Her love of children and medicine has led Yusra to the medical careers program at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. She is looking forward to pursuing a career in pediatric medicine after graduation.
Kristen Ion, Gaithersburg High School, 12th Grade
Meeting many recognized needs her in community, this senior has earned over 1300 hours of service. Over the past six years, Alzheimer, Parkinson and stroke patients at Asbury Methodist Village got to know Kristen very well as she planned and led exercise activities in the adult daycare. She has also been an integral asset to the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair for the past four years where she ensures that families who attended the fair enjoyed their experience. Kristen stays motivated with her "I know I can make a difference" attitude - and she does.
Prince George's County
Shontise Clarke, Largo High School, 12th Grade
Since the age of nine, Shontise has been dedicated to her community, volunteering time to church activities. She serves at Martha's Table - a local facility that assists the less fortunate with a variety of needs. She also contributes to the SOME organization (So Others Might Eat).
Althea Williams, Parkdale High School, 12th Grade
Althea has participated in a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout her high school career. She takes pride in working with younger children, assisting with daily activities at the Hyattsville Child Enrichment Center. She has worked with numerous organizations including SHARE, Christmas in April , and Pedals for Progress. Althea hopes to one day become an obstetrician or pediatrician and open her own family practice.
Queen Anne's County
Greg Whitby, Queen Anne's County High School, 12th Grade
Greg is a tremendous asset to Queen Anne's County High School YouthRISE. He possesses great leadership skills which have been key to the annual food drive, Empty Bowls Dinner, and various other projects. Greg's willingness to "help" and "make a difference" sets an example to his peers.
Mary Wilson, Queen Anne's County High School, 12th Grade
Mary has been a member of the Queen Anne's County High School YouthRISE since her freshman year. She is active in both 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities that have gained her state recognition for public speaking and judging. Mary has worked with the SADD group, advocated for prevention programs, and participated in a children's Christmas party. She is always ready with a smile and an endearing personality that supports her philosophy of making a difference each day for someone.
St. Mary's County
Johnathan Pease, Chopticon High School, 12th Grade
During his 10th grade year, Jonathan elected to volunteer time with his school's community-based special education class. He enjoyed this experience and, in an effort to spend more time with the students, he joined Best Buddies. This opportunity led Jonathan to dances and athletic events with community-based students both in and out of school. He plans to attend Towson University next year and major in special education.
Tiffenie Shircliffe, Chopticon High School, 11th Grade As an active participant in Job's Daughters, Tiffenie dedicates many hours to raising funds for the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment fund (HIKE), which donates money to hearing impaired children so they may purchase hearing devices they otherwise could not afford. She is a student officer with the Adopt a Highway program and volunteers at a local retirement home. Tiffenie is also a member of the National Honor Society.
Somerset County
Jessica Grangier, Washington High School, 12th Grade
President of the Washington High School Key Club, Jessica has a strong desire to help others. She has traveled to Australia and New Zealand as a member of the People to People Student Association Program, which presented her the opportunity to learn about the lives of teens in other countries. She is involved in many projects but Jessica is particularly interested in the America Cancer Society's Relay for Life events and Blood Banks of the Eastern Shore's blood drive. Jessica is a student who truly cares about others and conveys that in her work for the community.
Talbot County
Kristen Shaw, St. Michaels High School, 12th Grade
Kristen has been involved with many service projects at St. Michaels High School. Her most meaningful contribution was the institution of a recycling program within the school. Kristen and some friends decided that instead of complaining about the problem that it was time to do something about it. They encouraged local businesses to donate recycling bins to the school cafeteria and that was the first step to solving the problem. Kristen believes that "a small difference is greater than none at all."
Edward Stratton, Easton High School, 12th Grade
Edward is a genuine giver to his community. As member of The Electronic Club, he spends time encouraging local businesses to donate old computers to the club. In return, members of the club refurbish and distribute them to those who are less fortunate. Edward also volunteers his time to teachers and faculty for computer problem-solving. He strongly believes that if a person has talent they have an obligation to share it with others.
Washington County
Sarah DiCarlo, Boonsboro High School, 12th Grade
Born into a family deeply rooted in service, Sarah developed a personal enjoyment and awareness of her family's passion at a young age. She educates others through educational talks and reenactments of the Revolutionary War Living History. Sarah makes her own period clothing and spends hours researching to deliver accurate information. She also works with the Ranger Foundation, Inc. taking care of retired horses. Sarah's goal is to become a paralegal and continue helping her community in all aspects of giving.
Jennifer Miller, Hancock Middle - Senior High School, 11th Grade
As a young adult, Jennifer is realizing that she is able to make a difference in many lives. She is involved with Camp Joy, an organization that provides services to those in need of assistance in their homes and properties due to poor health and financial difficulties. Inspired to make a difference through her religion, she expresses her love for others by sharing her time and love freely; therefore, Camp Joy is her vehicle for doing so. Jennifer plans to continue helping those less fortunate in the years to come.
Wicomico County
Kelley Adkins, Mardela Middle High School, 11th Grade
In three years, Kelly has served over 400 hours in her area. Her activities includes volunteering in a nursing center and serving as a counselor in training at a summer camp. She is very active in the school community with band, cheerleading, and the Fellowship for Christian Athletes. Kelly has learned the ethic of service well.
Alicia Joynes, Wicomico High School, 12th Grade
Serving as President for two years, Alicia is an active member in the Service Club. Her service activities include assisting at the Salvation Army with the distribution of food and various items. She is President of the Youth Council at her church and volunteers at Kids Academy. Alicia is unique in the complete generosity of her heart.
Worcester County
Stephanie Nicewarner, Stephen Decatur High School, 12th Grade
Stephanie's leadership skills have led her in service projects both in her school and community. She volunteers for the AIDS Society raising money and starting a Prayer Pillows for the Sunshine Committee - providing heart shaped pillows with a unique prayer for each patient. She is instrumental in issues relating to missing or exploited children by posting their pictures on the internet and helped in the implementation of the Amber Alert in Maryland and Delaware.
William Shockley, Pocomoke High School, 12th Grade
William has performed hundreds of hours throughout his community, engaging in everything from fund raising for the fire department to assisting the elderly and physically challenged at the polls during recent elections. His involvement in Marine JROTC Color Guard introduced him to several ceremonies in the Pocomoke area and innumerable public events.