December Volunteer of the Month: Avik Sitani, Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board

Congratulations to Logan Park resident Avik Sitani for being recognized as our December Volunteer of the Month! Avik is always going above and beyond for the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board and the community, attending as many events as possible and leading the charge on our promoting/marketing needs! We appreciate your dedication, Avik! 

He had the following to say about his time volunteering and living in Issaquah Highlands:

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In 2016, my family moved to Seattle from Chicago, following great career opportunities for my parents. We visited many towns and neighborhoods in the area, looking for a place to call “home.”

Issaquah Highlands stood out to us as a growing community with many great amenities. We liked the area’s proximity to downtown, as well as how it still maintained a peaceful, family-friendly environment. We loved that Issaquah Highlands had a great atmosphere with lots of activities catered to every age as well as accessibility to amazing schools.

I really enjoy the various outdoor activities our community boasts. The parks, trails and other open spaces offer endless opportunity for activity. Whether you are going for a run on the countless scenic trails or spending time at a local park, there’s something for everyone. I also enjoy the beautiful green spaces throughout the various neighborhoods that allow us to breathe fresh, clean air. Lastly, I like the many outdoor events that Issaquah Highlands offers such as Global Grub and Groove celebrations or Movie on the Green.

My family consists of my 9-year-old brother, Apaar, and my parents, Anu and Vijayant. We love to spend time together, whether that means shopping or going out for a picnic in Grand View Park. Recently, our family visited the North Cascades, and we enjoyed some of Washington’s natural beauty. We also like to attend community events such as the Big Game Watch Party in Issaquah Highlands. My family is originally from India, and my parents came to the U.S. as immigrants, so we love to try and explore the Indian cuisine in the area.

I became involved as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands during COVID when exploring the different things to do in Issaquah. It started out with attending local events such as the Middle School Halloween Party. I enjoyed interacting with the community and I decided to become involved. I joined the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board in June of 2023, and I have enjoyed the decision ever since.

I’ve had a wonderful experience on the HY Board so far. Everybody is nice and thoughtful and new ideas are always welcome. A typical meeting consists of us planning future events for youth in the community. One of the things I’ve particularly enjoyed as a volunteer and HY Board member is the opportunity to connect with so many different people. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with elected officials, local artists and other professionals with specific areas of expertise. I feel I learn something new every time.

My advice to other teens and adults in the community is to choose volunteer opportunities that align with your passions. There are countless ways to get involved, regardless of how much time you have to give. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills from others and meet new people.

For teens, volunteering allows you to connect with others who share your interests in a fun environment. Issaquah Highlands Youth E-News is a great way to find out more about related events. For adults, volunteering in the community allows you to meet and form connections with neighbors as well as give back to our community.