Student Honorees
Each of these students demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility to their communities. These young individuals often balance school, extracurriculars, and personal commitments while still finding time to give back. Their efforts not only strengthen the community but also help them build valuable skills, confidence, and a lifelong habit of service. They are powerful examples of how youth can ignite and inspire.
50 + Hours
Bailey VanderGriend
"This past year I was able to volunteer so many different places through SALSA and other opportunities. Some included Habitat for Humanity, Girls on the Run, Feeding South Dakota, Blood Bank, my school and my church."
Jamie Nguyen
"My favorite memory with SALSA was when I volunteered for Rake the Town. My friends and I talked and listened to music when raking leaves for people who needed assistance, such as the elderly. We also loved chatting with the residents as they were always so kind and appreciative. I had many other experiences like this that strengthened my passion for volunteering."
Jordyn Overman
"In 2024 I volunteered at Feeding South Dakota, The Banquet, Lunch is Served, Sioux Falls Christian, First Christian Reformed Church, Nu2u, and The Furniture Mission."
Julie Uphoff
Julie volunteers regularly at SLASA events including Rake the Town, Spooky Science Night, and monthly meetings. She also volunteers with Best Buddies as well as Camp Invention at Inspiration Elementary School.
Kai Schroeder
"I love volunteering and getting involved in different ways. I’ve helped out at local cleanups, supported the Humane Society, and volunteered at clubs, food banks, and shelters. It feels great to make a difference and connect with people while giving back to the community at the same time."
Kaitlyn Bateen
"In 2024, I was lucky to be part of several community service projects, and each one left a mark on me. One place that’s always had a special spot in my heart is The Banquet. There’s just something about serving a warm meal and sitting down to chat with someone who simply wants to be heard. I’ve met so many amazing people there each with their own story and those honest, sometimes emotional, sometimes funny conversations reminded me how powerful it is to just listen. You really never know what someone’s going through until you take the time to hear them out. Every project I helped with, whether big or small, reminded me that kindness doesn’t have to be loud to matter. A simple act, a smile, a care package, a moment of your time can truly brighten someone’s day. These experiences didn’t just make me feel more connected to my community; they deepened my understanding of it. I’m so grateful for each person I met and everything I learned along the way."
Karli Heetland
Karli has been an active member at SALSA meetings as well as serving on Link Crew, Theatre Set Productions, and many other Roosevelt High School activities.
Kayleigh OMalley
"My most memorable time volunteering was for the Washington Pavilion Spooky Science event with my friend and seeing all the adorable costumes on the kids having fun."
Kenzie Riley
"In the summer of 2024, I volunteered with my school district's ELL program, which helps students whose English is not their first language. Alongside two other high school students, I helped instruct kindergarten - 2nd grade children in our classroom. Due to staff shortages, we worked without a teacher's supervision. One memorable experience was in July, when, because of the heat, we surprised our students by making ice cream in a bag. Our students had so much fun, and so did I. I look back fondly at this memory because it reminds me of the positive impact I made on their lives during that summer, and how many great memories we created."
Lexi Skorjanec
"One of my favorite places to volunteer in 2024 was the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. As an animal lover, I loved walking and playing with dogs. My favorite part was helping shy dogs become more social and adjust to the shelter. I also enjoyed taking them for long walks and helping them burn some energy."
Lillian Dirksen
Lillian is an active volunteer with Brandon Valley High School mentoring, Student Council, and BVHS Internship Program. In 2024 she attended many SALSA events, including Rake the Town, Project Warm Up, and Paint the Plow.
Logan Brakke
Logan is a leader within SALSA, serving on the YAC team. He helps lead monthly SALSA meetings, and has attended many SALSA-Wide events. He also serves with Hearts In Service 4H Club and Abiding Savior Church.
Nevaeh Keenan
Nevaeh frequently volunteers at the Outdoor Campus. She also serves on the RHS Link Crew, Washington Pavilion, Paint the Plow, and Big Sioux River Cleanup.
Olivia Riefenberger
Olivia is a leader within SALSA, serving on the YAC team. She helps lead monthly SALSA meetings, and has attended many SALSA-Wide events including Habitat for Humanity and Feeding South Dakota.
Yaneli Ruiz
"A memorable experience I have is continuing to grow and connect with everyone. I have met so many kind hearted and selfless people while volunteering. I have created so many amazing memories with people I have grown to care so much for these past two years. This organization provided such an amazing light and loving atmosphere and has so many helpful people involved, i could not have met my best friend without salsa and that is something i will never forget. it has been an unforgettable experience, helping people and seeing how impacting you are to our community is an opportunity you don’t fully understand until you get to experience it first hand it makes my heart so happy to be surrounded by people who are so thankful, and who are full with love, kindness, and beautiful smiles."
100 + Hours
Abby Stapleton
"In 2024, I volunteered with several organizations, including the Salvation Army, LifeScape, EmBe, Banquet, the Musuem of Visual Arts, Good Samaritain Society, Alliance, VFW, Lions, and Feeding South Dakota."
Alexavia Waysman
"Volunteering for the English Language Learning Program was an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to interact with learners from diverse backgrounds, which broadened my understanding of different cultures and perspectives. It was fulfilling to see the progress students made, from overcoming language barriers to expressing themselves more confidently. Overall, it was a memorable and impactful experience, knowing that I contributed to someone's journey in learning a new language."
Aniston Henning
"Out of my many volunteer opportunities I have pertained one of my continuously visited would be at the Avera Hospital. My supervisor is so incredibly kind, carrying, and supportive."
Elili Taye
"Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer for many causes through Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. I would say a big highlight for 2024 was being a teacher volunteer for the Washington Pavilion’s summer camps. It was so amazing to witness the kid’s creativity in the projects they made and how well they collaborated ideas with each other. Overall, it was a pleasure to be involved and help out. As I look forward, I’m excited to see how I’ll continue serving my community in this next I had the opportunity to be a teacher volunteer for the Washington Pavilion’s summer camps. It was so amazing to witness the kid’s creativity in the projects they made and how well they collaborated ideas with each other. Overall, it was a pleasure to be involved and help out."
Elizabeth Klein
"In 2024, I volunteered at various SALSA events, the Humane Society, and the Butterfly House. I love volunteering, and I am so grateful for the abundance of opportunities around Sioux Falls."
Ellie Maddox
"One of my most memorable volunteer experiences in 2024 was serving at Sanford Hospital. This past summer, I dedicated over 40 hours to guiding patients to the rooms in the Orthopedic wing. Throughout this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the hospital environment and the vital role of healthcare workers. I also had the opportunity to connect with many patients before their surgeries, which allowed me to develop strong communication skills and empathy. This experience has been invaluable and shaping my future career aspirations."
Emily Vo
"In 2024, I went volunteering at numerous organizations and nonprofits that hold values similar to mine. From cleaning at the Humane Society to packing lunches with Lunch Is Served, dedicating time towards helping my community has allowed me to make big and positive impacts all around. Even if I don’t see the impacts immediately, I know they are there. Smiles and laughter that I see are some reminders of why I choose to volunteer: to help others live their life in a happier way, even if it’s just for a moment."
Julia Harkema
"In 2024 I volunteered at Jefferson High School, the Washington Pavilion, the Jaycees Feargrounds Haunted House, the Eat Well Mobile Market, Camp Invention, Feeding SD, and the Helpline Center."
Mazzie Moore
"During 2024, I volunteered with a wide variety of organizations, including the Washington Pavilion, the Hills-Beaver Creek FIRST LEGO League robotics team, BVHS Student Council, Camp Invention, and 4-H. Some of my favorite memories are teaching STEM and other hands-on concepts to children."
Nuhamin Admassu
"Most of my volunteer hours are at school with my friends." Nuhamin's service include Link Crew, Theatre, and SALSA.
Paige Nilson
"A memorable experience I had in 2024 when volunteering was meeting my best friend, Yaneli. Having the opportunity to volunteer together brought us so much closer and allowed us to positively impact our community together!"
