Emcee: Rick Karle
Our emcee for the 2025 Youth In Service Awards was veteran TV Sports and News Anchor, Rick Karle. His love for the Birmingham community, and his passion for sharing "good news" stories, made him an exciting host for this year's event. |
Community Partner of the Year: Cool Green Trees
Cool Green Trees (represented at the event by Grace Duggar) works to mitigate climate change and advance environmental justice by planting trees locally. Since 2023, they have involved YouthServe in various service opportunities. Over 50 YouthServe volunteers have helped to plant trees in Birmingham neighborhoods and contributed nearly 130 community service hours through this partnership! |
Special Recognition: Jennifer
Hatchett At the 2025 Awards Breakfast, we honored former YouthServe Executive Director, Jennifer Hatchett, who recently resigned from her position after 12 years of service. During her tenure, Jennifer made significant contributions to YouthServe, expanding the number of participants, the scope of programming, and the reach of the organization tremendously. We are so grateful for her leadership! |
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Creative Service Award: Digital Harmonies, Michael Schmalz
After learning about the digital divide, 12th grade Altamont student, Michael Schmalz, held a series of digital literacy workshops for local seniors and low-income individuals. His goal was to teach them the skills they need to avoid scams and use the internet as a powerful resource for positive life changes. Click here for the Digital Harmonies video presentation. |
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Advocacy & Awareness Award: Read & Lead, Jahiem Wilcher
Inspired by his time tutoring a younger cousin, Greensboro High School student, Jahiem Wilcher, started an online newsletter to share tips and resources regarding childhood literacy. His mission is to empower the community to invest in the education of young people. Click here for the Read & Lead video presentation. |
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Community Impact Award AND Community Vote Award: Green Earth Society, Spain Park High School Students
These students recognized the lack of an environmental club at their school, and decided to start their own. They now host frequent outdoor clean-ups, educational events, and other opportunities for service to more than 40 youth at their school. Click here for the Green Earth Society video presentation. |
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Creative Service Finalist: Multicultural Dance Festival, Nivedha Goli
12th Grade Altamont student, Nivedha Goli, created an annual festival to celebrate the heritage and dances of various cultures. The event is inclusive of all types of dance, and brings the community together to learn more about the different cultures. Click here for Multicultural Dance Festival video presentation. |
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Advocacy & Awareness Finalist: Project Connect Wellness Fair, Fairfield High Prep School InFOCUS Group
These students wanted a way to bring mental health resources and education to their peers, so they organized a mental wellness fair for their high school. The event was such a success, they were able to put one on for the middle school the next year. Click here for the Project Connect video presentation. |
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Community Impact Finalist: Road Safety Workshop, Youth Action Council Small Group
Teens in YouthServe's Youth Action Council partnered with UAB's TRIP Lab to host a Road Safety workshop, where their peers were able to learn the risks of unsafe driving and practice using a driving simulator. Click here for the Road Safety Workshop video presentation. |
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