August Volunteer of the Month: Ethan Hunter, Highlands Youth Advisory Board

Ethan Hunter has been an active volunteer in our community for the past six years, as he enters his seventh year serving on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board.

Always the first to jump in when help is needed, Ethan took on a valuable leadership role at our Global Grub & Groove events this summer, working on logistics and helping to organize other youth volunteers.

We are grateful for his service to the community!

When did you move to Issaquah highlands? And from where?

I grew up in Farmington, Minn., and lived there for seven years. We moved to Washington in 2012.

What brought your family to IH, and what do you like best about it?

We don’t have any family over here, and we didn’t really know anyone at the time. My dad and I took a house hunting trip to find areas we would like to live—that wouldn’t make his commute hours long.

We chose Issaquah Highlands for the excellent schools, active and vibrant community, nearby shopping, and commute.

Could you tell us about your family?

My mom is from Minnesota, and my dad is from Scotland. I have one younger brother heading into sixth grade. Travel has been important to us, and since none of our family lives here, we usually try to visit either side of my family once a year.

How did you become involved as a volunteer in IH?

I had done some volunteer projects in elementary school and really enjoyed it. My mom told me about the Highlands Youth Advisory Board, something that really caught my eye. I applied as an incoming sixth grader, not knowing one of my best friends had also applied. My friend’s dad told both of us that we were accepted during school, and I remember my mom’s disappointment that she wasn’t the one to break the good news. She was incredibly proud of me.

Tell us about your experience as a volunteer and on the HY Board.

I have absolutely loved being a member on the HY Board, which is a group of middle and high school students that focuses on bringing together their peers and giving them a voice. It’s something I’ve always looked forward to doing. Being able to work with a group of people from your local community to create a better place is always rewarding.

The HY Board has played a major role in shaping who I am. It’s taught me how to work with a large team of people. I’ve learned how to make responsible decisions, taking into account any following effects. And of course, modifying those decisions when things inevitably go wrong.

I’ve also learned how to act like a leader when you have zero clue what you’re doing–something I’m told will be very useful in life. And above all, I’ve improved my ability to listen to other people’s ideas and build off them.

What advice would you give to other teens and/or adults about volunteering in Issaquah Highlands?

If you haven’t volunteered before, try it out! Issaquah Highlands has so many places to volunteer—there’s a place for everyone.

I’m introverted, and I don’t typically look forward to meeting new people. But I’ve found that volunteering is a great excuse to get out of my comfort zone and socialize. It’s a really good way to meet new people and make friends, while also seeing all the talent, culture, and creativity our community has to offer.