The Boone County REMC and its statewide association recently recognized two local Boone County middle school students for their outstanding community service efforts as they volunteered with animals, served meals for those in need, helped with swim lessons for youth and much more.
Emma Westfall, a seventh-grade student at Zionsville Middle School, and Claire Wilhoite, an eighth-grade student at Lebanon Middle School, received a Youth Power and Hope Award during the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting held in December.
Every year, five students ranging from fifth grade to eighth grade are honored through the statewide program, which strives to celebrate young leaders who aspire to make positive impacts in their communities.
Westfall was honored for her contributions that include volunteering at Boone Animal Shelter by cleaning, organizing supplies and making treats for animals, serving meals at Wheeler Mission and assisting at Safety Town Camp every summer and supporting the Zionsville Food Pantry and packing boxes for foster children.
Wilhoite was honored for her contributions that include volunteering in a church preschool class with her mom and participating in 4-H Junior Leaders and supporting community initiatives through Builders club, FFA and National Honor Society.
The program also honored three other students from the state, including Fletcher Abner of Palmyra, Cressa Kohrman of Saint Paul and Malarie Schoettmer of Greensburg.
Each winner received $500 to further their community service activities, and they will be featured in the February issue of Indiana Connection magazine.
