2022-2023 NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

Mercy High School Students Earn National Awards For Community Service Impact

United Nations Association of the USA Recognizes Youth Leaders Delivering Progress Toward The UN Sustainable Development Goals

Mercy High School is excited to announce 6 students are being recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), and InnerView in the sixth Annual Community Service Awards.  This program, open to all U.S. students, has been designed to connect student community service activities, skill development, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world. The Kroger Co. is presenting the fourth annual Zero Hero Awards to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger and waste. MCSC is recognizing outstanding youth volunteers addressing community needs.

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been a directional beacon not only for UN member states, but also for their citizens, including, and perhaps especially—their young people.  As a movement that empowers and engages Americans to support the United Nations and the SDGs, UNA-USA is thrilled to partner with InnerView once again,” says Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA.  “We are thrilled to be involved with a platform that not only helps to capture the impact that young people are having, but to recognize and to celebrate their achievements.  Kudos to all those who have committed to staying the course and doing their part to help actualize the SDGs!” 

"We are so proud to recognize the efforts of the Michigan youth who chose to give their valuable time to help others," said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. "Youth understand the power of volunteering and the importance their actions have in strengthening communities. Their passion and strong desire to make an impact is inspiring.”

Students from Mercy High School delivered the most impact for SDG 3-Good Health & Well-Being. 

"What a fabulous group to lift up; these purposeful students are taking action to create a better tomorrow for their communities and the world,” says Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies. “High school students have a strong perspective on the most challenging issues and needs facing our communities.  They have given us hope as we see a measured increase in breadth and depth of volunteerism by these local leaders and global citizens.” 

A key artifact students gain through the Award Program is the development of a digital service resume for use in job and college applications to demonstrate personal commitment, 21st century skills, and key areas of interest. The three-tier award program recognizes a range of student achievement: Merit for 25 hours, Honor for 40 hours and Ambassador for 100 hours of service this school year and special recognition for a focus on Zero Hunger and Zero Waste. Michigan Community Service Commission is recognizing students with at least 50 hours invested in community service.

Ambassador Awardees: Sage Johnson

Honor Awardees: Grace De Klerk, Sophia Segars

Merit Awardees: Ellery Long

Zero Hero Awardees: Ellery Long

Michigan Awardees: Julie Castillo, Grace De Klerk, Sage Johnson, Ellery Long, Morgan Sarafa, Sophia Segars

About United Nations Association – USA

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges, and Congress. With over 20,000 members (70% under the age of 26) and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that each of us can play a part in advancing the UN’s mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at https://unausa.org

About Michigan Community Service Commission

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) utilizes service as a strategy to address the state's most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. In 2022-2023, the MCSC is granting more than $21 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. The MCSC is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.

About InnerView Technologies

InnerView is the leading and most equitable youth social responsibility platform to help students, groups, and schools highlight community service impact, passion for causes, skill development, and connect local effort to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. All college and high school aged students are welcome to join tens of thousands of 14 to 24 year olds who have discovered ways to get involved and developed dynamic visual service resumes through my.InnerView.org. InnerView Technologies is a social impact organization working with students, groups, schools, nonprofits, and committed & compassionate institutions. Learn more at https://InnerView.org