Three community volunteers earned awards for their hard work and dedication to Issaquah Highlands during the 44th Annual Community Awards, hosted by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, at the end of May 2024.
Congratulations to Zinna Park (recipient of the Youth Leadership Award), Ben Armlin (recipient of the Community Builder Award), and Kashif Zahoor (recipient of the Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year Award)!
Ben Armlin – 2024 Issaquah Highlands Community Builder Award
The Issaquah Highlands Community Builder Award recognizes a resident or community partner who exemplifies the meaning of fostering a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship and well-being. We are excited to present this award to Huckleberry Circle resident Ben Armlin!
You may know Ben from his fun bowties or the SpongeBob belt buckle that has become a part of his uniform. You might know Ben from his infectious smile or all the ways he volunteers in the greater Issaquah community. But most likely, you know Ben from his electric bike filled with ice cream and cheer.
We often see him riding the Issaquah Ice Cream Trike around our hilly neighborhoods during all seasons, from torrential downpours to 100-degree weather days. Ben and his trike can usually be found at community events like Global Grub & Groove, The Village Market and various youth events in Issaquah Highlands.
Ben always jumps at the opportunity to help and consistently demonstrates a strong passion for the Issaquah Highlands and greater community. From remembering your child’s favorite ice cream, to cleaning up our parks on Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day, to fundraising for local organizations, Ben shows up for our community time and time again.
It was his desire to gain a deeper appreciation for our community and make a more profound difference that encouraged him to join the Highlands Council Board of Trustees in 2022. He now serves as chair of the Issaquah Highlands Program Committee, helping to develop engaging events for all. On July 1, Ben will step up to the important role of Secretary of the Highlands Council Board of Trustees, further showing his dedication to the community.
Zinna Park – 2024 Issaquah Highlands Youth Leadership Award
The Issaquah Highlands Youth Leadership Award is presented to a student on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) who goes above and beyond to lead peers in community building efforts. This award was created last year to recognize the outstanding young people in Issaquah Highlands that contribute to fostering a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity and belonging—especially within our youth community.
We are thrilled to present this year’s Youth Leadership Award to Zinna Park!
Zinna is finishing up her sophomore year at Issaquah High School. After only one year serving on the HY Board, she was elected by her peers to serve as co-vice president for this coming school year. Zinna is kind, hard-working—and most importantly—she shows up and makes a difference!
Most recently, Zinna stepped up to help translate our annual community survey into Korean to reach more residents in Issaquah Highlands. We are constantly impressed by her efforts to improve equity and inclusion in our community!
Outside of school, her passion for writing is demonstrated through the engaging articles she submits for Connections and the Issaquah Highlands Youth E-News.
Kashif Zahoor – 2023 Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year
We are honored to present our 2023 Volunteer of the Year honor to Vista Park resident Kashif Zahoor.
With a huge heart for community, giving back has always been a passion for Kashif. While living in Issaquah Highlands for the past 15 years, Kashif has developed a strong commitment to the community and a passion for everything that makes Issaquah Highlands a special and unique place to live. He’s made a difference through his volunteer work for many greater community organizations and their boards over that time.
In 2022, we were fortunate he directed his strong community spirit closer to home, when he accepted a trustee position on the Highlands Council Board. In October, he was appointed to serve as president of that board, following three months as vice president. As president, Kashif leads the board in guiding the direction of the organization, working closely with the Highlands Council team.
Aside from his passionate heart for community, Kashif has a unique ability to recognize strengths in those around him, while being present and thoughtful in every interaction. He values relationships with neighbors, peers, community members and friends. In fact, if you know Kashif, you’ve likely had your picture taken by him! His infectious energy is a true gift to our community.
