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 delighted to announce Sage Johnson, Chandravadana Koneru, Ellery Long, Sophia Segars are being recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the seventh Annual Community Service Impact 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 fifth annual Zero Hero Awards to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger and waste. The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is recognizing outstanding youth volunteers addressing community needs.

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. They also present a unique opportunity for UN member states, grassroots organizations and advocates to work together to create a better future for everyone,” says Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA. “Youth play a pivotal role in driving change forward, now more than ever. As an intergenerational movement of dedicated Americans, UNA-USA is committed to supporting the work of the vital work of the United Nations and SDGs. We are thrilled to partner with InnerView again this year and celebrate the impact youth have made in advancing the SDGs. Congratulations to this year’s awardees for their dedication and inspired action!”

"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. 

“High school students have a strong perspective on the most challenging issues and needs facing our communities. These awardees exemplify young leadership, harnessing their passion and skills to enact positive change in their communities and beyond,” says Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies. “We feel privileged to work alongside these change-makers daily, supporting their journey, unlocking opportunities, and commemorating their achievements." 

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 30 hours, Honor for 60 hours and Ambassador for 100 hours of service this school year and special recognition for a focus on Zero Hunger and Zero Waste.

STUDENT AWARDEES

Ambassador Awardees: Chandravadana Koneru '26, Ellery Long '24

Honor Awardees: Sophia Segars '26

Zero Hero Awardees: Chandravadana Koneru '26, Ellery Long '24

Michigan Awardees: Sage Johnson '24, Chandravadana Koneru '26, Ellery Long '24, Sophia Segars '26