About the Awards
Commissioners’ Award
• Award to youth who complete at least 40 service hours during the school year.
• This year students served more than 7,106 volunteer hours.
President’s Volunteer Service Award
• The nation’s premier volunteer service award program, which encourages a life of service through presidential recognition.
• Awards are for hours served within 12 consecutive months.
• 142 students received a letter and certificate from the President of the United States as well as a gold, silver, or bronze pin based on the number of hours and their age.
Mayor’s Award
• Awarded to youth who complete at least 40 service hours during the summer.
• This summer students served over 16,965 hours. Additional details and registration information can be found on our website at www.thevolunteercenter.org
ProgramsServedbyStudentVolunteers
4-H Whale Robotics
A Place at the Table
Ahuja Medical Center
University Hospitals
American Red Cross
Amy's Rays of Sunshine
Animal Protection Society (APS)
Apex Youth Council
BBBS of the Triangle
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Triangle
Bighelp for Education
Blacknall Memorial
Presbyterian Church
Bright Minds Initiative
Brown Bag Ministry
Boy Scouts of America
Camp_Invention@SRE
Cardinal Hospice Care
Carol Woods Retirement Community
Carolina Tamil Kalaikkoodam
Cary ReStore
Cary Teen Council
Chapel Hill Bible Church
Chess Achieves
Chinmaya Mission Raleigh
Church World Service
City of Raleigh
Develop Africa, Inc.
Diaper Bank of North Carolina
Dive Into Neuroscience
Dorcas Ministries
DreamCatchers Foundation
Duke Homestead State
Historic Site
Duke University Hospital
Durham Academy ACEing
Autism Program
Durham Arts Council
Durham Public Schools
Durham Rescue Mission
Edenton Street United
Methodist Church
Emanuel Food Pantry
Eno River Association
First Korean Baptist Church
First Presbyterian Church of Durham
First Tee - Triangle
Food Bank CENC
Food Bank of Central and
Eastern North Carolina
The Learning Experience
FRC 5190 Falcon Fury
Friendz Camp
Gen Inspired
Girls on the Run of the Triangle
Greensboro Science Center
H3 Health Healing Hope Street Medicine
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Habitat for Humanity-ReStore (Durham)
Hindu Society of NC
Hope Connection International and DejaVu Thrift
HumSub Inc
Ikaika Hawaii
International Words of Hope
Isha Foundation Inc
Jordan High School
Key Club
Kids Voting Durham / Durham
Cooperative Extension
Kramden Institute
Luke Charity Clinic
M2 Education
Men Service League
Marbles Kids Museum
Meals on Wheels Durham
ProgramsServedbyStudentVolunteers (Cont’d)
Morehead Planetarium
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center Summer Camps
Morrisville Community Library
Museum of Life + Science
National Charity League
NATYA
NC NeuroKidz
NC State University
NC STEM ACADEMY
NCFC Youth
North Carolina State University
North South Foundation
Northwest HS PTA Student Delegation
Note in the Pocket
Open Table
Orange County Animal Service
Orange United Methodist Church
Panther Creek Environmental Club
PCHS Key Club
Piedmont Wildlife Center
PORCH Communities
Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language (RACL)
Raleigh Parks Cultural Outreach and Enrichment (COE) Programs
Raleigh Parks
Raleigh Tutoring Camps at St. Francis of Assisi
Red Cross - GLHS
Refugee Hope Partners Inc
Resources for Seniors (Cary Total Life Center)
Rise Against Hunger
Riverside High School
Root Causes Fresh Produce Program
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
SECII Family House
SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals
Sewa International
St Matthew Catholic Church
Student Action Board of Durham
SVTempleNC.org
TABLE
Taylor Family YMCA - Leaders Club
The Bryant Center St Johns MCC
The Bull City Woodshop
The Cary Total Life Center
The Eric Montross Father's Day Basketball Camp
The Forge Initiative
The Foundation of Hope
The No Woman, No Girl Initiative
The Scrap Exchange
The Summit Church
The Triangle Non-Profit and Volunteer Leadership Center
The Women's Center of Raleigh
Town of Fuquay-Varina Parks
Recreation & Cultural
Resources Department
Triangle Day School
UH Ahuja Hospital
UNC Health
UNC Health - Chapel Hill Medical Center
UNC Health Care Volunteer Services
UNC Health Rex
Union County Public Schools
ProgramsServedbyStudentVolunteers (Cont’d)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University UMC
VA Tutors
Vidya Shakti
Voyager Academy
VT seva Cary
Wake County Public Libraries
WakeEd Partnership
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank
We Plant it Forward
Wildwoods Farm
World Federation of Kalari Organization
YMCA Camp Cheerio
YMCA of the Triangle
Young life
Young Men Service League
2023—2024EssayWinner
From
The Court To The Community: A Transformative Summer at the YMCA Sports Camp
By: Sohum Kunde 9/4/24
Growing up, the sounds of laughter and the thud of a basketball hitting the ground were as familiar to me as the rhythm of my heartbeat. On every corner, park, and even in the most unlikely places, you could find kids, adults, and seniors of all backgrounds coming together to play sports. It didn’t matter if we were dribbling a basketball on the cracked pavement of our neighborhood court or chasing after a soccer ball in a uneven grass field—the simple joy of the game united us. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that these experiences have not only deepened my love for sports but have also fueled my desire to teach and empower the future generation, helping others find the same sense of belonging and purpose that I did.
When I first signed up to volunteer at the YMCA sports camp, I thought it would be a fun way to spend my summer, indulging my love for sports while giving back to the community. Combining my passion for sports with a chance to mentor young kids was the perfect way to make a difference. However, my first days at the camp were anything but easy. The group's diversity ranging from shy first-timers to overly enthusiastic young athletes presented an unexpected challenge. I quickly realized that managing such a varied group required more than just knowledge of sports; it demanded patience, care, and a deep understanding of each child's unique needs.
As the days went by, I began to form connections with the campers. One camper who stood out was Melanie; a quiet girl who often sat on the sidelines and was more reserved and hesitant to participate. Determined to help her gain interest, I spent extra time with her, encouraging her to join in, praising her small victories, and slowly building her confidence. By the end of the week, she was not only participating in the activities but also looking forward to returning. Seeing her transformation was moving and made me realize the powerful impact of personalized attention and encouragement.
2023—2024EssayContestWinner(cont’d)
From The Court To The Community: A Transformative Summer at the YMCA Sports Camp Cont’d
My time at the YMCA sports camp was filled with valuable lessons that have deeply influenced me. I discovered the importance of perseverance, not just in sports, but in life, as I watched the campers push through their challenges and emerge stronger. I also realized that even small acts of kindness like spending a few extra minutes with a shy camper can have a profound impact. These experiences have stayed with me, shaping how I approach challenges both on and off the sports field. Inspired by these lessons, I co-founded Next Gen Athletics, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money through sportsrelated activities such as 1 vs. 1 football, 3 vs. 3 basketball, and pickleball tournaments. The funds we raise will go toward purchasing equipment for underprivileged schools. As I am currently in the process of becoming 501(c)(3) verified, I am driven by the desire to empower future generations, just as my volunteer experience at the YMCA has empowered me.
The impact of the YMCA sports camp extended beyond the individual campers. I made connections with my fellow volunteers, directors, and the staff. On the first day, I made it a point to learn each camper's name and understand their interests, knowing that building rapport early on would make future connections easier. Whether through a high-five after a well-played game, a few encouraging words to a child struggling to keep up, or simply listening to the kid's stories, I found that these small moments of connection made a big difference. The bonds we formed were rooted in our shared love for sports and our common goal of creating a positive experience for everyone involved.
Looking back, my experience at the YMCA sports camp was more than just a summer of fun and games; it was a journey of growth and learning. It taught me the value of patience, the power of encouragement, and the importance of empowering future generations. As a freshman at Green Level, stepping into the world of volunteering for the first time was both exciting and a little intimidating. Being new to both high school and volunteering, I faced the challenge of navigating unfamiliar territory. However, as the days went by, I found myself growing more confident, not just in my role as a volunteer, but also in my ability to connect with others and make a positive impact. This experience has set the foundation for what I hope will be a long and fulfilling journey of giving back to my community.
2023—2024EssayContestWinner(Cont’d)
From The Court To The Community: A Transformative Summer at the YMCA Sports Camp Cont’d
One realization I had during my time at the YMCA sports camp is that sports are a universal language; it brings people together. Whether we’re playing a game of soccer, basketball, or simply running races, we are all connected through a shared experience. At the camp, I witnessed kids from diverse backgrounds, with different personalities and skill levels, come together on the field. In those moments, it didn’t matter where they came from or what challenges they faced outside the camp what mattered was the camaraderie, teamwork, and empowerment of future generations.
About the Center…
A true community-centric organization, the Center provides individuals, civic organizations and companies the opportunity and resources to make an impact across all issue areas. Our youth programs directly connect young people in community service to inspire them to get involved and helps to develop them into future leaders. Our vision is to create a vibrant and engaged community and to be the Triangle’s leading resource for nonprofits and volunteers. To accomplish this, our mission is to inspire, strengthen and mobilize nonprofits & volunteers. A charitable non-profit, the Center has the largest volunteer base in the Triangle and works with over 1,400 non-profits. The Center has 4 main program areas:
1) Nonprofit Resources- The Center is a resource hub for nonprofits providing training, fundraising opportunities, and inkind donations as well as volunteer recruitment & management increasing their impact.
2) Youth Programs– Our youth programs nurture youth leadership skills and encourage students to get involved in the community and make a difference. Last year, through these programs, students contributed more than 50,000 hours of service to the community.
3) Volunteer Mobilization-The Center connects individuals, organizations and companies with opportunities for community service. On the corporate side, companies looking to give back to the community through service or teambuilding projects enlist the help of the Center to involve their employees.
4) Human Service Programs for DSS- The Center coordinates crucial programs that support the most vulnerable in our community on behalf of the Department of Social Services. Share Your Christmas, Thanksgiving Dinners, mentoring programs, and the Backpacks 4 Kids school supply drive are programs that make a real difference to those most in need.
The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center PO Box 3374 Durham, NC 27702 www.thevolunteercenter.org
Pranav Aggarwal
Grayson Auman
Arnav Bhargava
Kailyn Burgin
Paridhi Dhakal
Eva Dooling
Isa Cummings
Natalie Fitzhugh
Nina Garci
Osgood Green
Elliot (Ellie) Hall
Navya Karki
Nishka Karki
Pranav Krishna
Sinclaire McGlown
Peter McKiernan
Mithun Karthick Parthiban
Olivia Pevianai
Angel Rich
Katherine Ryan
Diyaa Sarath
Surya Selvam
Sirpi Sridharan
Mayor’sAward
Madhushri Srinivasan
Om Thakur
Chase Thompson
Avery Togni
Lily Williams
Albert Zhao
Commissioner’sAward
Henry Clemens
Sophia Fusi
Zara Miller
Kelsey Molewyk
Ishaan Maneesh Pattankar
Harika Petchetti
Eshita Rawle
Tiger Zhao
Commissioner’sandMayor’sAward
Ahish Pidikiti
Mayor’sandPresident’sAward
Thanmayi Annisetty *
Jason Aparicio ***
Sebastian Carrazco Badillo ***
Bryant Casarrubias Serrano ***
Jennifer Cervantes Garcia ***
Jerry Chen *
Tanvi Chordiya ***
Teagan CoyneSmith*
Miles Crawford ***
Claire Dsouza *
David Durham***
Xavier Evans***
Hazel Freel*
KaNora Graham***
Vedanth Gundarapu*
Siddharth Gundarapu*
Yash Gupta*
Carter Hall*
Leif Hastings***
Zion Hayes***
Jaisen Hood***
Maisy Kavanaugh*
Sohum Kunde***
Guillermo Lazaro***
Saeed Lobbad***
Sydney Magid**
* Bronze ** Silver *** Gold
Isaac Marmolejo***
Samuel McBrierty**
Damari McClary***
Jalen McDonald***
Taryn Melvin***
Destiny Monroe***
Adalynn Mulvey-Rose**
Avani Narayanan***
Brian Navarro***
Diya Patel***
Jenni Patterson***
Sanvi Pawar*
Katherine Payton**
Margaret Payton**
Madeline Pivko***
Akshaj Puttoju***
Shawn Francis Service***
Sanjushree Senthilkumar*
Elina Shah*
Aarit Srivastava*
Arjun Srivastava*
Vidhi Thakker*
Gabriel Wimberly***
Commissioner’sandPresident’sAward
Jacob Brennan*
Zhiyu Cao*
Sonia Daptardar***
Sonya George*
Rishwanth Ginkala*
Akshara Gopalpet*
William Sutton Hogan*
Dylan Huang***
Kara Huang***
Pranathi Kolluru*
Shrika Kota**
Hun Lim***
Aarin Patel*
Alekhya Mantripragada**
Abishta Metpally**
Agasthya Metpally*
Yasha Nagathan***
Jacob Rabinovitz*
Saanvishree Rajesh***
Eesha Vinod***
Commissioner’s,Mayor’s,andPresident’sAward
Kaveesha Abeykoon*
Priya Aggarwal*
Sami Ali-Dinar***
Leon Baiye**
*Aanya Bailey***
Aarushi Basu***
Hardit Bhuttani*
Anya Brander***
Kayla Cao***
Chloe Cepeda**
Eni Chen***
Kayla Cloniger***
Joely Cohn**
Micah Daley***
Mosiah Daley***
Salem De Vente***
Holden De Vente***
Ruthwik Dhama***
Cole Dirks***
Haley Duncker*
Yaalini Elangovan***
Thomas Eller**
Dara Ellis**
Luckie Fang**
Carter Ferranti*
Stella Freelon***
Lee Gilson**
Oliver Guan**
Austin Gunsch***
Nazanin Ghulami***
Luca Herce***
Samuel Hertzog**
Atticus Hester***
Caroline Hunter***
Jenica Inigo***
Dana Jhoung*
Shereya Joseph***
Yuha Kim*
Charles Knowles**
Bhargav Kuchibhotla***
Carson Loehr***
John Long***
Claire Lynch***
Kaiden Ma***
Arielle McClain***
Madeleine Milowski***
Maxwell Milowski***
Kylie Mitchell***
Landon Moore**
Lilly Motsinger***
* Bronze ** Silver *** Gold
Emily Muir***
Aalisha Naik***
Eshaan Naik***
Shreyas Nalam*
Binh Nguyen*
Sam Pagden***
Hasini Pothuganti***
Archit Pothuganti***
Sawyer Ramsden***
Jack Rand***
Frances Reed***
Annalise Rich***
Beatrix "Bea" Roberts***
Henry Roberts**
Wyatt Satterfield***
Mary Pearson Scales***
Isabel Scott***
Tejashree Senthilkumar*
Atakan Sevik*
Roshni Shaikh***
Elle Shifflette***
Callie Sieren***
Joel Tapper*
Ethan Thomas*
Pranav Thota***
Commissioner’s,Mayor’s,andPresident’sAward
(Cont’d)
Anish Tumkur***
Emerson "Emmy" Tupper**
Amelia Wilkinson***
Julian Woodard***
Quinn Woodard***
Kendall Wootton***
Qi Feng Wu***
Sai Sree Yashika***
CheckOutOurOtherStudentPrograms!
Student Action Board
• 10th—12th grade students who have completed TNVLC Leadership programs.
• During the school year SAB members meet monthly to plan & implement service projects that address community needs.
IMPACT Camps
These summer camps provide area high school students with a local week-long hands-on urban mission experience. Students learn about social issues in our communities and work with local agencies that are making a difference and helping our neighbors in need.
Civic Engagement Leadership Institute
An intensive summer enrichment experience that empowers high school students to impact the Triangle through social conscious thought and action. Students explore the root causes of community needs & issues, and work with nonprofit agencies to formulate a capstone service project to help shape the future of the Triangle and beyond.
Model UN
Students learn how Model United Nations can be used as a vehicle for learning about the world around us, civic engagement, and personal growth. Model UN grows student leadership and diplomatic debate skills, builds confidence in public speaking, and immerses students in real-world contemporary global issues – creating more engaged students.
TNVLCStaff
Kim Shaw, Executive Director
Betty Njaramba, Operations & Special Programs Manager
Amanda Stoen, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Manager
Hannah Davis, Community & Volunteer Programs Manager
Trudy Smith, Program Director for Non-Profit Services
Cindy Heffner, Office Administration & RSVP Program Coordinator
Adrienne Clark, Special Programs Consultant
Debalina Chatterjee, Administration & Youth Programs Support