United Way of Southwest Michigan is proud to bestow this year’s Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Awards to one winner from each of the three counties in its area—Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren—who have demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism through Creativity, Dedication, and Advocacy for Community Improvement throughout their high-school careers.
In 2022, the annual youth scholarship awards go to Breckyn Bussey (Berrien County – St. Joseph High School), Katie Schaible (Cass County – Edwardsburg High School), and Alyssa Wilson (Van Buren County – South Haven High School). These winners were selected by a panel of their peers. There were a record number of applicants for the awards this year.
Breckyn Bussey served as president of her junior and senior classes and as student senate treasurer. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She founded “Flippin’ For Fitness” to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle to children and published a children’s book, titled Let’s Get Moving! Breckyn also volunteers for the Michigan Fitness Foundation, Girls on the Run, the American Heart Association, Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Children’s Miracle Network, Blanket Brigade, and as part of Dancer’s Day of Service. Her volunteer spirit began at an early age when she started picking up trash at local beaches. “Picking up littered beaches was simple and easy, but it had a lasting effect on me and left my heart full knowing I was making our beaches cleaner and safer for our community and wildlife,” she said.
Volunteering with the Food Bank of South Bend is just one of the many ways that Katie Schaible spends her time. She also helps at the Edwardsburg Foster Care Closet, on the basketball court during basketball camps, handing out water to racers during Logan’s Run and the Eagle Lake Triathlon, picking up trash along the roadside, and for three years has volunteered with Top Soccer, helping children with disabilities learn how to play. Schaible said, “Volunteering strengthens the support network needed for a community and exposes you to people with common interests. I believe that volunteering helps your community grow into a better place for everyone.”
Alyssa Wilson excels in academics as well as dance and band. She recently organized a water drive to support the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor and currently reigns as Miss South Haven 2022. Alyssa’s volunteer efforts include serving as a coach for Girls on the Run, mentoring students through Peer to Peer, teaching younger generations of dancers at Shoreline Dance Academy, and planning and hosting “Not So Silent Night,” which allows parents a night of affordable childcare so they can work on holiday details. She also has been a volunteer with the National Blueberry Festival since 2014. “I always want to be remembered as someone who makes others feel included, and being immersed in my community through volunteer events helps me to do just that,” she said. “Because I was introduced to volunteering at a young age, service and giving to others has become woven into my life, but continuing to volunteer allows me to leave a positive impact on my community, to empower others, and to stay inspired by all the special things that happen in my community.”
“When young people volunteer not only do they develop a sense of connectedness to people and situations outside of their comfort zones, but they also hone skills important for employment, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication,” said Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Volunteering provides a great opportunity for the young to grow personally and professionally while serving the community.”
Applications for the 2023 Volunteer United Youth Scholarship awards will open in January next year. At that time, online submissions will be accepted at uwsm.org.
