Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading Honors Young Changemakers

The Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading recently celebrated the contributions of numerous young individuals who dedicated their time to community service projects. The initiative, organized by VOiCEup Berks, encourages teenagers to engage in activities that develop their leadership skills while positively impacting their local area. During a recent ceremony, the organization highlighted the collective efforts of students who together provided nearly **10,500 hours** of service over the last year.

According to program director Lindsay Sites, a total of **966 participants** contributed their time, showcasing the significant impact youth can have when they work collaboratively for change. “These young leaders are proving that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders right now,” Sites stated during the announcement of the honors.

The ceremony recognized the achievements of thirty students who completed more than **35 hours** of service within the year, while eight individuals were honored for surpassing the **100-hour** milestone. Sites emphasized the varied projects these dedicated volunteers undertook, which included addressing issues such as food insecurity, mental health, and education. “They demonstrated the powerful role young people play in shaping a more equitable future,” she said.

Celebrating Exceptional Contributions

In addition to service hour milestones, several special awards were presented to honor outstanding commitment and creativity in service. The Project of the Year Award was granted to Luca Mele, a junior at Lancaster Country Day School, for his work transforming an underutilized field into a serene meditation garden between the Hope Rescue Mission and the Lighthouse. Mele collaborated with Ariyan Patel, a student leader from Wyomissing High School, to create a space for relaxation and healing.

The Heart of Youth Volunteer Corps Award went to Addison McKittrick, an Exeter graduate who began her volunteering journey in sixth grade. Kemi Ojikutu, a graduate of Wilson High School, received the Reading Youth of the Year Award for amassing **254 hours** of service last year alone, bringing her lifetime total to over **500 hours**. The World Changer Award was awarded to Samantha Martinez, another Wilson graduate who reached the impressive milestone of **1,000 hours** of service.

The Young Adult of the Year award was presented to Karleigh Patton, a graduate student at Kutztown University, for her extensive contributions to the community.

Impact of Youth Leadership

As the ceremony concluded, Sites reflected on the qualities that distinguish these young leaders. “What stands out most is the leadership, empathy, and passion these youth bring to their work,” she noted. “They are already stepping up as changemakers and showing what true leadership looks like, and they are already transforming their communities in measurable ways.”

The efforts of the Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading not only celebrate the individual achievements of these young volunteers but also highlight the potential of youth to drive meaningful change in society. Through their dedicated service, these changemakers are setting a powerful example for future generations.