Highlands Council is thrilled to recognize eight local teens for their outstanding service to the community in 2024. These middle and high school students, who will be recognized at a special ceremony on Jan. 12, significantly contributed to more than 1,700 hours of service performed by over 125 volunteers in Issaquah Highlands last year.
Managed in partne
rship between AmeriCorps and Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows certifying organizations—including Highlands Council—to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over 12 months. Award level requirements vary by age category of the applicant.
Since its inception in 2003, the award program has honored individuals across the nation whose service positively impacts communities and inspires others to act.
This year’s recipients from Issaquah Highlands include:
Lily Pinkston, Gold Awardee (Teen)
Lily has devoted over 204 hours to serving our community this past year, over 100 of which came from volunteering with the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. Lily, a ninth-grade student at Issaquah High School, helped plan and
volunteer for a week of summer adventures with younger Girl Scouts at Sammamish Day Camp. She also serves
on the Issaquah Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), where she was the youngest member of her training group.
“Volunteering has helped me meet new people and be more passionate about giving back,” Lily said. “I’ve learned about the diverse groups of people that make up our community and gained new experiences that have made me a better person.”
Haley Lim, Gold Awardee (Teen)
Haley recorded 104 hours of service last year between the Issaquah Highlands community and Girl Scouts of Western
Washington. As a ninth-grade student at Issaquah High School and a member of the HY Board, Haley has helped at a variety of community events.
“It makes me happy to know I’m helping the community, as it is a good experience to have,” Haley said. “While volunteering, you also learn about those volunteering with you and about the diversity in our community.”
Jeric Yuen, Silver Awardee (Teen)
Jeric volunteered 75 hours between the Issaquah Highlands community and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. Jeric, currently a sophomore at Issaquah High School, serves as the treasurer of the HY Board.
“The thing about volunteering is that I didn’t know how important it was until I actually did it. Before I started volunteering, I had trouble making friends and finding ways to socialize with others,” Jeric said. “However, once I started volunteering, I kept on doing it again and again because of all the opportunities it provides. Every time I volunteer, I bond with other people in the community and treat them not as strangers, but as friends.”
Grace Rich, Bronze Awardee (Young Adult)
Grace, a junior at Issaquah High School, dedicated 119 hours last year to organizations she cares about. From planning and working at community events as a member of the HY Board to helping to plan a week of fun and adventure for young Girl Scouts at Sammamish Day Camp, Grace is a passionate volunteer.
“Volunteering has helped me feel connected with my community and gain a better understanding for my passions in life,” Grace said. “I have learned to be a leader and stay more organized as I am learning. I have developed the want to give back to those around me through volunteering and it has taught me how to develop my communication, problem solving skills, and compassion for others.”
Nicole de los Reyes, Bronze Awardee (Young Adult)
Now a senior at Issaquah High School, Nicole managed to commit over 107 hours to our community between the HY Board, where she served as secretary during the last school year, and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Nicole shared that volunteering has taught her she finds joy in working with younger kids. This realization came during a special moment while helping a younger child with an art project at a recent Global Grub & Groove event.
“I patiently explained the steps while encouraging creativity,” Nicole said. “After they completed their art successfully, they looked up at me with the brightest smile and curiously asked, ‘How can I become someone like you?’ That moment made me realize the profound impact I had on them in such a small amount of time.”
Asher Pinkston, Bronze Awardee (Young Adult)
Asher devoted 102 service hours to our community last year through the Issaquah CERT program and HY Board, where he currently serves as vice president. As a junior at Issaquah High School currently enrolled full-time at Bellevue College via the Running Start program, Asher has a passion for helping bring people together and learning from those around him.
“Volunteering has been a great experience for me and has taught me a lot about the community and the people in it,” Asher said.
Anisha Arasu, Bronze Awardee (Teen)
An eighth-grade student at Pacific Cascade Middle School, Anisha dedicated 60 hours to our community through the HY Board and volunteering at PTSA-sponsored events at Grand Ridge Elementary.
“I have learned the values of teamwork, flexibility, and giving to others without expecting anything in return,” Anisha said. “It has taught me to appreciate differences and has improved my communication, problem solving,
collaboration and leadership skills.”
Avik Sitani, Bronze Awardee (Teen)
Avik is an eighth-grade student at Pacific Cascade Middle School. He has contributed 56 hours of volunteer service to our community while serving on the HY Board, where he embraces all types of experiences.
“Volunteering has had a big impact on me in several ways. It has taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration and enhanced my communications skills,” Avik said. “I have gained a better understanding of my community’s needs. And lastly, it is incredibly fulfilling to see the positive effects of our work on the community, which makes me feel more connected to the people around me.”
To be considered for the 2025 award, volunteers must complete the required number of service hours between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, with a portion of service dedicated to the Issaquah Highlands community. Applications are due by Sept. 30, 2025. Learn how to track hours and apply here >>>
Lindsey Pinkston is the Highlands Council Executive Director and a Wisteria Park resident.
