Community Partners staff, Denise Zwiener, Ellery Butterfield, and Genesis Acosta, present youth Erica Lockhorn her award, (Buffalo County Community Partners, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — The Buffalo County Community Partners board recognizes youth for outstanding accomplishments, 7 youth received volunteer recognition awards for their contributions to educating elected officials on the challenges facing youth when calling 911 and 988 resulting in Senator John Lowe signing on to the bill as well as hosting a community movie night.
Youth who received the award are Talyn Ritchie, Keagan Dorsey, and Ada Hirschfeld from Kearney Catholic; Erica Lockhorn, Ravenna; Sam Stava, Rowan Carson, and Eliana Peterson from Kearney High School.
The students were nominated due to their leadership in educating elected officials, creating spaces for community discussions on difficult topics, leading community clean-up efforts, advocating for youth needs, and driving mental and behavioral health education initiatives.
Ellery Butterfield, youth coordinator, said, “the Youth Advisory Board is a group of passionate high school students who are more than just students; they are advocates determined to make a difference in the world. These seven young leaders took part in community projects and policy discussions. Their dedication goes beyond the classroom as they work to solve important social issues and inspire positive change, demonstrating that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Sam Stava is a true leader by example and has played an important role in many YAB initiatives. Her invaluable contributions to the Power of Change Summit, Legislative Days, and community events have driven YAB’s success and inspired others to join the cause,” said Butterfield.
“Erica Lockhorn is a community builder; she has worked to bring more young voices to the table. She’s been a determined advocate for rural students, her dedication is evident in her efforts to engage new members and her involvement in events like Mental-Health Supports in Ravenna and YAB Community Movie Night,” said Butterfield.
Keagan Dorsey, is outspoken and hands-on as Butterfield described her. Dorsey’s advocacy and professionally have set high standards for youth participation.
“Eliana Peterson is known as being outspoken and passionate, has never shied away from standing up for her community. She has led panel discussions, represented YAB at the Latino Dialogue Session, and participated in many community events. Eliana’s ability to gracefully handle responsibility and her commitment to advocacy make her an outstanding leader,” said Butterfield.
Talyn Ritchie, high school graduate from Kearney Catholic, as described by Butterfield is a reliable and well-spoken spokesperson, has represented YAB at community events, such as Talk of the Town, Community Collaboratives, and School Board meetings. Her enthusiasm and presence at meetings have inspired not only her peers but also adults in the community.
“Ada Hirschfeld, an advocate for her peers, is actively seeking out opinions and listens to understand. Ada consistently volunteers to speak on behalf of YAB, taking additional steps to research and talk with her peers beforehand. Ada’s contributions to Legislative Days, school board meetings, and community forums highlight her commitment to advocacy and engagement,” said Butterfield.
Rowan Carson, with a heart for his community, especially at-risk youth, has been a dedicated YAB member. Rowan helped comb through over 50 proposed bills this year in preparation for Legislative Days. His efforts to bring attention to overlooked community issues show his dedication to making a positive impact.
The Youth Advisory Board is a program and a philosophy that recognizes youth as valuable resources in our community and empowers them as equal community partners to bring about positive community change. For more information on YAB contact Butterfield at (308)865-2287 or youth@bcchp.org.
Youth Advisory Board member Eliana Peterson receives volunteer award at Board meeting. Pictured: Ellery Butterfield, Genesis Acosta, Eliana Peterson, Diane Duffin, and Tammy Jackson, (Buffalo County Community Partners, Courtesy)
Sam Stava is presented award by Ellery Butterfield and board members Ron Dobesh and Sarah Sawin, (Buffalo County Community Partners, Courtesy)
