Models of service

Youth Power and Hope Award winners make a difference in their communities

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Posted on Jan 28 2025 in Profile

Indiana’s electric cooperatives and “Indiana Connection” recently honored five young Hoosiers in grades 5-8 with Youth Power and Hope Awards during the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting. The recipients each received $500 to further their community service activities. Recipients of the 2024 Youth Power and Hope Awards were: 

Fletcher Abner, Palmyra

Abner is a seventh grader at North Harrison Middle School. Abner’s community service activities include “Birthday Bundles,” where he and his family provide gift bags filled with birthday necessities for families in need, and “Pumpkins with Purpose,” where the family grows pumpkins and gourds on its farm to give to local students so that they can experience the joy of Halloween. 

He is active in 4-H and FFA, where he has also completed various community service projects. Abner has also been involved in activities at his school, including visiting local senior centers and speaking at a Veterans Day assembly.

Emma Westfall, Zionsville

Westfall is a seventh grader at Zionsville Middle School. She regularly volunteers at the Boone Animal Shelter, cleaning the shelter’s truck, organizing supplies, and making treats for the animals. She also often serves meals at Wheeler Mission and volunteers every summer for Safety Town Camp. She also sorts food at the Zionsville Food Pantry and has packed and organized boxes for foster children at her church.

Cressa Kohrman, Saint Paul, and Malarie Schoettmer, Greensburg

Kohrman is a fifth grader at North Decatur Elementary School, and Schoettmer is a fifth grader at Seton Home Study School. Together, the girls created the World Helping Squad. The squad has collected items for the Riley Toy Closet, baby and maternity supplies for mothers, items for a local animal shelter, and organized other service projects. In addition, the squad fulfilled wishlists for a church’s angel tree and delivered Dinner at Bedtime meals weekly for a month. 

Kohrman has also hosted a bake sale for cancer patients. Funds raised last year helped a teacher undergoing treatments, with the rest donated to the Shelby County Cancer Association. Last year, the World Helping Squad focused on foster families by raising funds for foster kids and area school art programs and teachers. A monetary donation was also given to FireFly Family Alliance, specifically for local children in foster care.

In addition to her activities with the squad, Schoettmer is active in 4-H. Last year, she began volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul’s thrift store, where she helps customers and has donated items to help raise funds for the store.

Claire Wilhoite, Lebanon

Wilhoite is an eighth grader at Lebanon Middle School. Her community service includes leading swim lessons at a local pool to help teach younger kids to swim. She also serves in a preschool class at her church. Wilhoite is active in 4-H Junior Leaders, where she has volunteered for several community service projects, including working at the group’s stand at the Boone County Fair. She is also involved in service activities through her school, such as Builders Club, FFA, and the National Honor Society.