From Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading
Pictured above: Award recipients from VOiCEup’s Community Partner of the Year – Wilson School District.
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of Reading, a program of VOiCEup Berks, is proudly celebrating the close of another impactful program year, which ended on Sunday, Aug. 31, with the recognition of dozens of youth changemakers who gave their time, energy, and compassion to strengthen the Berks County community.
The annual celebration, held earlier this summer, highlighted the incredible efforts of students who collectively contributed thousands of hours of service to Berks County. Over the course of the last program year, 966 unduplicated youth served nearly 10,500 hours, demonstrating the power of young people working together to create meaningful change. These young leaders are proving that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders right now.
Thirty students were recognized for completing over 35 hours of service during the past year, with eight additional youth celebrated for reaching the 100-hour milestone. These dedicated volunteers worked on projects addressing food insecurity, mental health, homelessness, education, and more, demonstrating the powerful role young people play in shaping a more equitable future.
In addition to service hour milestones, several special awards were presented to youth who demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity, and heart in their service:
YVC Reading Project of the Year – Luca Mele, Junior, Lancaster Country Day School
The year’s standout project transformed an overlooked field between Hope Rescue Mission’s men’s shelter and the Lighthouse, its women and children’s shelter, into a peaceful, purpose-filled meditation garden. What was once an unused grassy area is now a welcoming space for relaxation, contemplation, and healing, giving Lighthouse residents their first dedicated outdoor space. With natural elements and a focus on mental well-being, this project embodies what service is all about: seeing a need, imagining something better, and making it happen. Luca and fellow student leader Ariyan Patel from Wyomissing High School were recognized for their leadership and vision in bringing this space to life.
Heart of YVC – Addison McKittrick, Graduate, Exeter Township Senior High School
The Heart of YVC Award honors a student who embodies the spirit of YVC through compassion, teamwork, and a heartfelt dedication to service. The year’s recipient, Addison McKittrick, began volunteering in 6th grade and has been deeply involved ever since. From Canstructure to the Youth Advisory Board to the Youth Mental Health Ambassador Initiative, and most recently serving as student liaison to the VOiCEup Board of Directors, Addison has left her mark as a leader who uplifts others and leads with empathy.
YVC Reading Youth of the Year – Kemi Ojikutu, Graduate, Wilson High School
YVC Reading’s Youth of the Year Award is presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, advances the mission through creative, youth-led projects, and contributes the highest level of volunteer commitment during the program year. For the second year in a row, this honor went to Kemi Ojikutu, who recorded 254 hours of service last year alone and has surpassed 500 lifetime service hours. Kemi’s consistent dedication and leadership inspire peers and strengthen YVC’s impact across the community.
World Changer Award – Samantha Martinez, Graduate, Wilson High School
The World Changer Award is YVC’s most extraordinary recognition, reserved for youth who achieve the rare milestone of 1,000 hours of service. The recipient, Samantha Martinez, joins a select group of youth nationwide who have reached this level of dedication. Her journey with VOiCEup began in middle school, when she hesitated to join YVC’s in-school leadership program. With encouragement, she took the leap — and her very first project tackled a barrier in her own school: access to free menstrual products. That experience ignited a passion for service that grew into a commitment spanning food insecurity, equity, and youth empowerment. Reflecting on her journey, Samantha shared, “VOiCEup changed me from a quiet, introverted middle schooler to a bold, outgoing leader with the courage to lead, speak up, and motivate others to do the same.”
Community partners and supporters were also recognized for their vital role in creating meaningful service-learning opportunities for youth. Wilson School District was named Community Partner of the Year for its ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful service-learning experiences for youth. Finally, Karleigh Patton, Graduate Student, Kutztown University, received the first Young Adult of the Year Award under VOiCEup’s new Generation Impact initiative serving 18-24 year olds.
“As we celebrate another year of service, what stands out most is the leadership, empathy, and passion these youth bring to their work,” said Lindsay Sites, Program Director at YVC of Reading. “They are already stepping up as changemakers and showing what true leadership looks like, and they are already transforming their communities in measurable ways.”
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Source: bctv