RIVER FALLS – Twelve River Falls High School students have been recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the Eighth Annual Community Service Impact Awards. This national program celebrates students who demonstrate leadership through community service, skill development, and commitment to the United Nations’ Global Goals. In addition, The Kroger Co. presented its sixth annual Zero Hero Awards to students taking meaningful action to reduce hunger and waste in their communities.

“The Global Goals provide a framework for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. They also present a unique opportunity 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 vital work of the United Nations and the Global Goals. We are thrilled to partner with InnerView again this year and celebrate the impact youth have made in advancing the Global Goals. Congratulations to this year’s awardees for their dedication and inspired action!”

“These students are shining examples of what it means to lead with purpose,” shares RFHS Principal Kit Luedtke. “Their dedication to community service and global impact speaks volumes about their character and the values we embrace at RFHS.”

Student volunteers from River Falls High School delivered the most impact for the issue of Quality Education.

“Today’s high school students are stepping up in extraordinary ways to address the critical challenges facing our communities. This year’s awardees—part of a movement that contributed over 2 million hours of time and talent—are not only passionate but also purposeful, using their skills to lead with empathy, innovation, and impact,” says Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies. “It’s an honor to champion these changemakers, celebrate their achievements, and help amplify their voices and service.”

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.

River Falls High School student award winners: 

Ambassador Awardees: Sylvia Bonderson, Vivienne Ellison, Kira Sonnee, Lauren Tille, Xavier Zuber

Honor Awardees: Elizabeth Baillargeon, Augie Maude, McKylee Ross, Madeline Tille

Merit Awardees: Johanna Barbey, Cecilia Kinney, Eli Klumb

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 Global Goals. 

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 Global Goals. All college and high school-aged students are welcome to join this community of compassionate youth leaders who have discovered ways to get involved and crafted dynamic visual service impact resumes through my.InnerView.org. InnerView is a social impact organization working with students, groups, schools, nonprofits, and committed & compassionate institutions. Learn more at InnerView.org

Submitted by River Falls School District