Two recent Gratiot grads recognized for community service
Two recent Gratiot County high school graduates have been recognized for their volunteerism by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission.
Jaina Barden of Ithaca was one of 31 recipients in the state to earn the Youth Changemaker Award, given to students who logged more than 400 hours of community service during their high school years.
Moritz Richter of Alma was one of 52 recipients to receive the Youth Spirit of Hope Award, presented to students with more than 200 hours of community service during high school.
Both Barden and Richter also had more than 50 hours of community service during their senior years to earn Community Impact Awards from the MCSC.
“We are so proud of all the Michigan teens and young adults who gave their time to help others,” said MCSC Executive Director Ginna Holmes, who previously worked for both Alma College and Alma Public Schools.
“By learning the power of volunteerism at a young age, these Michiganders are fostering a lifelong passion of making a difference and strengthening communities, making our state more resilient.”
In addition to her community service work, Barden, the daughter of Jason and Cheryl Barden, was a member of the Ithaca High School cheer team and marching band. She also is a dancer for the Academy of Performing Arts, a Senior Scholar and Junior Rotarian, and was first runnerup in the 2022 Alma Highland Festival Queen of Scots Pageant, where she was selected the Wee Queen in 2014.
Richter, the son of Marcus and Ellen Richter, was an all-conference soccer player for the Panthers, and served as president of the Student Council, vice president of the National Honor Society and president of the Gratiot County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. “I am thrilled to honor so many Michigan student volunteers who went above and beyond to help others and build stronger communities across our great state,” Gov. Whitmer said in a press release announcing the honorees.
“These extraordinary young Michiganders honored the Michigan tradition of helping others and remained committed to service, giving hundreds of hours of their time to help those in need. They give me hope and will help us build a more prosperous, thriving Michigan for all.”
The student winners will receive medals and certificates for their community service efforts.